Spotlight Article:
Editorial: The Discreet Charm of Attics and Crawl Spaces
You would be professionally remiss if you did not read “Attics and Crawl Spaces” in this issue. The article by Terry Nordbye is a valuable reminder that home performance problems too often begin ...
Keep Reading
Crawlspaces: Considering the Options
For crawlspaces, as for the entire house, there are house-specific, local, and regional conditions to consider. [continue reading]
A Conditioned Crawlspace Checklist
Experience is the best teacher, when it comes to crawlspaces. [continue reading]
Dry Notes from the Underground
Research shows that homeowners invite mold growth and serious health risks with a finished basement that has moisture problems. [continue reading]
Crawlspace Condensation
Crawlspace Condensation Q:I was called to a doublewide mobile home to investigate a problem with a 4- year-old duct system (the original duct system was ... [continue reading]
Choosing a Basement Wall System
Twenty years ago, standard concrete masonry block and cast-in-place (CIP) concrete basement foundation wall systems were the norm for single-family, low-rise housing. [continue reading]
Researchers Approach Builders on Duct Location
It is common practice in California to put ducts outside the conditioned space, in attics and crawlspaces. These duct systems are typically 50%-70% efficient due mostly to air leakage and heat transfer losses, while sealed conditioned-space duct installations have efficiencies over 90%. O [continue reading]
Does Floor Insulation Performance Meet Expectations?
If they are insulated at all, floors over crawlspaces or unconditioned spaces are insulated with fiberglass blankets or batts. [continue reading]
BASEMENTS A World Unto Themselves The New Monster in the Basement
When coal-burning gravity furnaces were common, people spoke of feeding the "monster in the basement." The monster seemed defanged when gas and oil replaced coal, but still appeared fearsome. [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.
