A report released recently by E4 The Future, which promotes residential clean energy and sustainability, examines the body of research supporting the considerable benefits of home performance/energy efficiency measures. The report concludes that not only do energy efficiency measures, such as increased insulation and air sealing, improved heating,...

No matter what you call it, air flow and its management are vital to the performance, energy efficiency and comfort of a new or renovated home. Not only that: improper air flow can have severe effects on the health and safety of the people in the building by promoting mold growth, spreading pollutants, and possibly creating backdrafting of...

When it comes to energy costs, we all know the big numbers lie in heating and cooling the house. A large portion of this excessive energy use is due to air leakage as well as too little – or improperly installed – insulation. A good thermal boundary, which includes insulation, windows and doors, not only reduces energy waste, but also greatly...

Over the past few months, Icynene has announced that it is offering new spray foam products with reduced re-occupancy and re-entry times for trades and homeowners. There is already uncertainty as to the “right” amount of time that is needed and these announcements about reductions only add to that uncertainty. It is important to understand how...

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently issued its Final Rule on confined spaces – 29 C.F.R. Part 1926 Subpart AA. “Confined spaces” include any space large enough for a worker to enter it. The scope of the regulation, therefore, includes crawl spaces and attics.