Building

Placing HVAC ducts in a vented unconditioned attic is one of the most persistent design flaws in residential construction. Building scientists have warned against this practice for decades, yet it remains common, especially in slab-on-grade homes where basements are unavailable. The problem is simple: a vented attic is nearly as cold as the outdoors in

When it comes to tightening the building envelope, few tools are as fundamental as the caulk gun. While often overlooked in favor of flashier equipment, a quality caulk gun paired with the right sealant is the first line of defense against air leakage, moisture intrusion, and energy loss. Whether you are a contractor running a

The majority of homes in the United States rely on forced-air systems that deliver warm or cool air through a network of ducts. These systems typically include a furnace, an air-source heat pump, a split-system air conditioner, or some combination of these appliances. When designed and installed correctly, they distribute conditioned air evenly. However, many

Designing an off-grid house requires a fundamentally different approach than planning a conventional grid-connected home. While most residential designers focus on aesthetics, square footage, and curb appeal, those pursuing energy independence must prioritize energy budgeting, system sizing, and passive design strategies from the very first sketch. According to building science expert Martin Holladay, who lived

Builders and homeowners increasingly seek insulation materials that combine thermal performance with environmental responsibility. For years, wood fiber insulation has been a popular choice in European construction but remained a niche, high-cost import in North America due to shipping expenses. That situation is about to change. GO Lab, a spinoff of the Maine design-build firm

When building a high-performance wall assembly, one of the more common questions that arises is where to place the housewrap when a layer of exterior rigid foam insulation is involved. Should it go between the wall sheathing and the foam, or on the outside of the foam? And if it goes behind the foam, should

Selecting a heating system for a home is one of the most consequential decisions a builder or homeowner can make. The choice influences monthly energy bills, long-term maintenance costs, indoor comfort, and the property’s carbon footprint. With so many options available from forced-air furnaces to hydronic boilers, heat pumps, and wood stoves the process can

The European Court of Justice issued a significant ruling in May 2020 that upheld the classification of compressed wood pellets as a renewable energy source under the European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED II). This decision rejected a legal challenge brought by the Partnership for Policy Integration (PFPI), which had argued that the biomass provision