One of North America's premier building scientists talks very practically and understandably about building enclosures.
Several of the amazingly simple concepts Mr. Lstiburek speaks of here can easily be implemented in the construction of a home or addition. The new Energy Star standard incorporates many of these concepts and more. Builders and homeowners should always try to design with these...
Read moreHow do I know that? Because the Department of Energy recommends attic insulation for the Greenville Climate zone of R-49 or more. They base this on our particular climate, weather patterns, building construction, and energy costs. Even if your home is brand new the code requirement for our area is an R-30. This is because the lobby for the South Carolina Home Builders Association lobbies to keep new home construction costs down. As a result, even a brand new home has approximately 40% less than what is needed to make your home energy efficient! Imagine if your house is fifty...
Read moreIf you live in the Southeast, chances are your air conditioner runs full blast in the summer, but it doesn't have to. My family enjoys more comfortable (and less expensive) summers as a result of my weatherization efforts to our home. The first and most important of which is the installation of a radiant barrier in our attic.
Before cold weather hits, you may want to get weatherization out of the way. It's inevitable. Some of the air you pay to heat is going to end up outside. That's like throwing money out your front door. How much depends on how many leaks, holes and tiny crevasses are throughout your home. Think of the times when you've had plumbers under your house. Often, they have to cut through some boards to get to your plumbing and, unfortunately, some plumbers don't plug the holes when they're done. That's exactly what we found under our house. No wonder the tub in my daughters' bathroom used...
Read moreIf you need a new HVAC system, reading this article could help you save thousands of dollars. I recently started to realize that the reduction of energy usage in a home is about two things: managing the amount of heat added in during the winter and heat taken out during the summer, but what does that mean for you? Well, as long as you're comfortable and can maintain your comfort for a reasonable cost, you're fine. If not, most of you automatically turn to your local heating and cooling service companies for help, which is good, but your approach will either add to your costs or add...
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Click on the image to watch Dean Benton's interview with WYFF's Myra Ruiz about the benefits of air sealing.
We're always on the lookout for clever, easy ways to make your home more comfortable, less drafty and more energy efficient. A chimney balloon is one of these.
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Testimonials
Hey Dean! I wanted to let you know that the insulation in the room over our garage is working great! It was 87 degrees outside today, and the thermometer we had in the room read an arctic 71 degrees -- right where my wife likes it. Thanks so much!
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