Yesterday I wrote about the ways heat moves into our homes through conduction, convection and radiation. Today we’ll look at some actual numbers for a recent home performance test. Why it matters: Knowing where the heat is getting in helps us develop strategies to keep it out. 🔬 Zoom in: Using an infrared camera, we can […]
I hope my fellow Gen Xers see my subject line and finish the lyric … “and some sweat when the heat is on.” 😉 My parents might be thinking about the 1959 Marilyn Monroe/Tony Curtis/Jack Lemmon rom-com. 🥵 But all of us can agree … NOT THIS HOT! Why it matters: When you’re trying to stay
♨️ Some like it hot Read More »
Short answer: No. Why it matters: Residential rooftop solar is an incomplete solution to the grid problem. Without battery storage, solar doesn’t help the grid when it’s needed most. ⚙️ How it works: Two recent conservation warnings from ERCOT asked people to conserve energy if possible. The first was from 7-10pm. The second was from 3-10pm.
🔆 Can rooftop solar save the grid? Read More »
“For the simplicity on this side of complexity, I wouldn’t give you a fig. But for the simplicity on the other side of complexity, for that I would give you anything I have.” — Oliver Wendell Holmes Why it matters: It’s a story I hear all too often. Homeowner adds solar. Several months go by.
🤷♂️ All out of figs to give Read More »
Carol, a regular reader of the Smart Homeowner Daily Email, sent in some questions about water testing and whole home water filtration. Do you have any suggestions on who to contact for getting a complete water report for my home? Do you have any recommendations for a whole home water filtration system? 🖼️ The big picture:
🙋♀️ Reader question: water filtration Read More »
If you’ve been on the London Tube, you know “mind the gap” is a warning to watch your step when you get on the train. It should be the mantra for every contractor making any kind of hole in the building envelope. Why it matters: After running plumbing or wiring through your walls or ceilings,
Let’s talk about our electricity bills using a water analogy. Everyone with a swimming pool is experiencing this right now! During the hottest months, you have to add water to your pool—maybe every day. 🥊 Reality check: You need to know if you have a LEAK or if you’re just losing water by evaporation. If
🪣 There’s a hole in my bucket Read More »
Christy has been frustrated by the increase in her electric bills since her home was remodeled. Why it matters: Some of the improvements we make to our homes can create other problems. ⚙️ How it works: Every hole or penetration in our structure must be air sealed, or it will increase our connection to the outside.
☀️🛌 Bedroom al fresco? Read More »
Using a power attic vent to cool your attic may seem like a good idea. But they don’t work as advertised. Why it matters: Attic ventilation depends on balanced intake and exhaust. The air leaving the attic — through a power vent, a turbine, ridge vent — has to ENTER the attic from somewhere. 🥊
🙅♂️ Say no to power vents Read More »
The dew point in your attic changes based on 2 factors. Temperature and humidity Why it matters: Knowing the dew point will help you understand when water will become a problem in the attic. 🧮 By the numbers: Right now, the temperature in my attic is 81 degrees and the relative humidity (RH) is 59%.
💧 The dew point in the attic Read More »
