Do Bigger HVAC Systems Deliver Better Performance?
By: Ben Green, Green Leaf Air Most homeowners assume that a larger air conditioner will cool their home better, but that’s not necessarily true. On the surface, it sounds logical, but it’s not necessarily accurate. That’s because an oversized unit…
New Analysis Shows What the Latest Energy Code Costs Builders
How much does it really cost to build a home that uses dramatically less energy? According to a new analysis by ICF Consulting, the answer is surprisingly modest. A home built to the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) uses…
Pipe Insulation: The Unseen Superstar in Buildings
Every day, buildings lose energy through uninsulated or under-insulated piping systems. The result? Higher utility bills, greater carbon emissions, and reduced system performance. Fortunately, pipe insulation offers a simple solution with outsized advantages. Pipe insulation is used in nearly every…
5-Million HERS®-Rated Homes and Counting
Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET®) recently announced an important milestone achievement: more than 5 million HERS-rated homes. It’s a massive number that reflects the organization’s momentum and impact on the energy-efficient homebuilding industry, but more than that, it’s a sign…
New: Guide to Unvented Roofs for Conditioned Attics
Conditioned attics are becoming increasingly common in high-performance homes because they help improve comfort, energy efficiency, and HVAC performance. But building an unvented roof assembly correctly requires more than simply adding insulation at the roofline. Builders and contractors must understand…
