Building Performance

Building Performance

• Green Builders & Homeowners Must Work Closely to Bridge “Performance Gap”

   

• Giving the Green Light: A Remodeler Uses His Own Home as a Green Test Case

  A remodeler uses his own home to train himself and his crew in specific green practices so he can better inform clients.

   

• CARL SEVILLE: Donít Forget Green in K&B

  Tips for energy-efficient design for kitchens and baths including proper ventilation and air sealing.

   

• The Pretty Good House, Part 2

   

• Science and Building: Fully Integrating Building Science Into Remodeling

  CARL SEVILLE: Rather than being an afterthought or sideline to a remodeling project, building science should be integral to every remodel, right from the beginning of the process.

   

• Old Saws: Building Science and Remodeling

  Building performance may be the most important component of a good remodel. Ed Voytovich busts two building performance myths.

   

• Right-Size It: How to Accurately Size HVAC Systems

  Taking HVAC system sizing beyond rule-of-thumb so that their design, sizing, and installation are accurate and meet the performance levels of today's more energy-efficient homes.

   

• Negative Reinforcement: Tips for K&B Ventilation

  Positive steps for proper ventilation and avoiding negative pressure.

   

• Watt's up Doc? A Home-Performance Division 'in the Box'

  Getting a home-performance division set up quickly using the expertise and training materials of Home Performance Matters.

   

• Spray-Foam Insulation: Open-Cell vs. Closed-Cell

  The pros and cons of each type of insulation.

   

• Setting Standards: The DOE's Workforce Guidelines for Home Energy Upgrades

  There may soon be a new set of rules for remodelers to adhere to when it comes to performing weatherization work.

   

• Certifiably Skilled: Certification After the Demise of Home Star

  Just how important is certification now that Home Star is gone? Many remodelers still see value in having their employees certified in home performance contracting.

   

• What's the Problem With Green Remodeling?

  CARL SEVILLE: The single biggest obstacle to green remodeling is ignorance. Don't accept the status quo.

   

• Power Full: The Power Saver Loan Makes Its Debut

  The FHA's two-year pilot program will help homeowners fund energy-efficiency upgrades on their homes.

   

• Efficiency on a Budget: Cost-Effective Energy Makeover

  Insulation, window upgrades, and solar panels lead the way for this condo homeowner's goal of an energy-efficient home.

   

• Auditing Efficiency: Checklist to Identify Energy-Saving Opportunities

  Built Right Renovations uses this checklist as a customer service tool to help homeowners identify where they can save energy — and money — and to help position the remodeler as an expert.

   

• Inventive Incentives: REMODELING Takes a Look at the Alternatives to Home Star

  Some remodelers are making the most of government incentives to improve the performance of existing U.S. housing stock — and to boost their bottom line.

   

• Energy Stars: These Remodelers Made the Most of Various Grants and Programs for Energy-Efficient Upgrades

  Home Star may be gone, but all is not lost. There are still abundant options for remodelers who want to capitalize on home performance work.

   

• Adding Muscle: This Project May Look Small and Unassuming, but It Packs a High-Performance Punch

  A 1950s-era Massachusetts home uses 60% less energy after a deep energy retrofit.

   

• Pure Folly: Deep Energy Retrofits

  MICHAEL ANSCHEL: Are deep energy retrofits all they're cracked up to be? And what, exactly, constitutes a safe deep energy retrofit?