Methods Used To Mitigate Mold Hazards In The Home

Part 4 of Mold: Enemy of a Healthy Home. Guidelines for Mitigation and Personal Protection Common intervention methods reported in the literature for residential mitigation of mold hazards include: Location and removal of sources of moisture (control of dampness and humidity and repair of water leakage problems). Increasing ventilation. Use of high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) […]


Extent And Nature Of Mold Hazards In The Home

Part 2 of Mold: Enemy of a Healthy Home. Environmental and Housing Factors Affecting Mold Growth In indoor environments, mold originates from two sources: mold infiltrating from outdoors (e.g., through open windows), and mold colonization on the interior of the home. Molds can obtain nutrients and moisture sufficient for growth from water-affected building materials such […]


Carbon Monoxide: Invisible Danger

What is carbon monoxide? Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous, colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. Although it has no detectable odor, CO is often mixed with other gases that do have an odor. So, you can inhale carbon monoxide right along with gases that you can smell and not even know that CO is present. […]


Safety and Health Concerns (Loose-fill insulation)

Part 7 of Loose-Fill Insulation. Safety Guidelines Insulation blown into your ceiling cavities should cover the top plate of the wall, but be sure the eave vents are not covered. These vents provide necessary ventilation to your attic, and covering them could result in severe moisture problems. Electrical devices and recessed lights (except “IC-rated” fixtures) […]


Energy-Efficient Cathedral Ceilings

Part 1 of Ceilings and Attics. Cathedral ceilings must provide space between the roof deck and ceiling for adequate insulation and ventilation. For most areas of the U.S., the 1995 MEC recommends R-25 to R-38 insulation in a cathedral ceiling. This can be achieved through the use of truss joists, scissor truss framing, or sufficiently […]


Increase Roof Height At The Eave

One problem area in many roof designs occurs at the eave, where there is often insufficient space for full insulation without blocking air flow from the soffit vents. Often the insulation is compressed to fit the space, diminishing its R-value. For a truss roof, consider raised heel or oversized (cantilevered) trusses that form elevated overhangs […]


Building and Buying

Part 7 of Elements of an Energy-Efficient House. Before you start a home-building project, the building site and its climate should be carefully evaluated to determine the optimum design and orientation for the house. There are energy-related computer software programs that can help with these evaluations. The design should accommodate appropriate insulation levels, moisture dynamics, […]


Controlled Ventilation

Part 3 of Elements of an Energy-Efficient House. Since an energy-efficient house is tightly sealed, it needs to be ventilated in a controlled manner. Controlled, mechanical ventilation prevents health risks from indoor air pollution, promotes a more comfortable atmosphere, and reduces air moisture infiltration, thus reducing the likelihood of structural damage. Furnaces, water heaters, clothes […]


Ways to Save Money with Energy-Efficient Windows

Part 6 of Ways to Save Money on Energy at Home. Windows can be one of your home’s most attractive features, providing views, daylighting, ventilation, and solar heating in the winter. Unfortunately, they can also account for 10% to 25% of your heating bill. During the summer, sunny windows make your air conditioner work two to […]


Design: Earth-Sheltered Houses

Part 3 of Earth Sheltered Houses. There are two basic types of earth-sheltered housing—underground and “bermed” (or banked with earth). Certain characteristics such as the location and soils of your site, the regional climate, and design preferences are central to which type will work best for you. Underground housing means an entire structure built below […]


Tomorrow’s Options for More Efficient Windows

Part 3 of Advances in Glazing Materials for Windows. “Superwindows” now coming on the market can attain high thermal resistance by combining multiple low-e coatings; low-conductance gas fills; barriers between panes, which reduce convective circulation of the gas fill; and insulating frames and edge spacers. Also, optical properties such as solar transmittance can be customized […]


Manage Your Home’s Ventilation

Part 7 of Cooling Your Home Naturally with Fans and Ventilation. Remember the following if you plan to cool your home with ventilation: Learn how air flows naturally through your house. Take advantage of cool night air, and ventilate your home by natural or mechanical methods. Keep a clear path for airflow both inside and […]


Mechanical Ventilation: Whole-House Fans

Part 5 of Cooling Your Home Naturally with Fans and Ventilation. A whole-house fan can substitute for an air conditioner most of the year in most climates. Whole-house fans combined with ceiling fans and portable fans pro- vide acceptable summer comfort for many families, even in hot weather. How Whole-House Fans Work The whole-house fan […]


Mechanical Ventilation: Window and Exhaust Fans

Part 4 of Cooling Your Home Naturally with Fans and Ventilation. Window fans are best used in windows facing the prevailing wind or away from it to provide cross-ventilation. Window fans augment any breeze or create a breeze when the air is still. If the wind direction changes frequently in your area, use reversible-type window […]


Mechanical Ventilation: Ceiling Fans

Part 3 of Cooling Your Home Naturally with Fans and Ventilation. When you know how air moves naturally through your home, you can then optimize your mechanical ventilation. In warmer climates, natural ventilation can’t circulate enough air through a home to provide sufficient cooling at night to remove the day’s heat. Mechanical ventilation can provide […]


Natural Ventilation: The “Chimney Effect”

Part 2 of Cooling Your Home Naturally with Fans and Ventilation. Natural ventilation relies on the wind and the “chimney effect” to keep a home cool. Moving air ventilates your home by entering or leaving windows, depending on their orientation to the wind. When wind blows against your home, air is forced into your windows. […]


Cooling Your Home Naturally with Fans and Ventilation

Part 1 of Cooling Your Home Naturally with Fans and Ventilation. You can save energy and money when you ventilate your home instead of using your air conditioner, except on the hottest days. Moving air can remove heat from your home. Moving air also creates a wind chill effect that cools your body. Ventilation cooling […]