HVAC & Mechanicals

These mighty-mites can provide heating, cooling, and air-mixing for a well-insulated house, but they look so darned—European. It is hard for many Americans to warm up to them.

Turns out, tying in a patio roof, drywall, drip edge, crown molding, mini splits, house wrap, and peel-and-stick roof membrane are still hot topics.

Episode list:Intro and OverviewDemo and Deconstruction

The updates are really only a big deal if you live in climate zones 4 or 5, like 65% (or so) of America does. But don't worry, climate change is making it smarter than ever to exceed the code minimum.

Energy recovery ventilators (ERV) replace kitchen and bath exhaust air with clean and tempered supply air

Ceiling-mounted units practically disappear while delivering energy-efficient heating and cooling

Extreme heat and humidity can drive moisture deep into framing cavities which can cause mold, rot, and structural damage

Like kitchen bath remodels, it involves plumbing, ventilation, electrical upgrades, waterproofing, and building inspectors

Tightening an old house or building a tight new one means that you can't leave ventilation to random leaks anymore. You have to control it.