Spotlight Article:
Measuring the Health Benefits of Energy Efficiency Programs
Scores of programs in the United States and abroad have the goal of saving energy and improving human health. Programs commonly address exposure to mold, lead, and radon as well as malfunctioning or inefficient appliances, ...
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Carbon Monoxide from Ovens: A Serious IAQ Problem
Traditionally, few people have considered gas ovens to be a major source of carbon monoxide (CO), even though all their exhaust products are often vented directly into the indoor air of a residence. Yet unvented space heaters with a similar output of combustion gases have been banned in many states because of indoor air quality (IAQ) dangers inherent in their use. [continue reading]
Moisture and Mobile Home Weatherization
Most newer manufactured homes in the Pacific Northwest, as well as many older mobile homes, have a vapor retarder on the inside of the wall cavity--typically right behind the gypsum board. However, many older mobile homes, especially those built before the 1980s, were manufactured with a vapor retarder on the outside of the wall cavity--generally right behind the metal (or sometimes wood) siding. [continue reading]
Combustion Safety Checks: How Not to Kill Your Clients
Heating contractors, inspectors, and energy auditors all have different approaches to inspecting combustion appliances. Combustion problems come in various sizes and shapes, and individual tests may not by themselves prove if the house is actually safe. [continue reading]
Fireplaces: Studies in Contrasts
Conventional fireplaces are incompatible with new, tighter housing, or with weatherized homes because of their large air requirements and the incomplete combustion products they produce. [continue reading]
Rethinking Radon Standards
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is developing a model radon control standard for residential construction, with adoption of the standard expected sometime this winter. [continue reading]
Building Tightness Guidelines: When Is a House Too Tight?
After more than a decade of training and field experience, low-income weatherization crews are substantially increasing the air tightness of homes. [continue reading]
Building Performance Journal Editors
Our Blog Has Moved
Thanks for your interest in contributing a blog to the Building Performance Journal (formerly Home Energy magazine). We’re ...
Jim Gunshinan
Is Energy Efficiency an American Value?
Energy efficiency is good for the economy, good for families, good for workers, and good for the environment.
