When buying new doors & windows (for either new or remodeling) most manufacturers generally require a rough opening size 1/2″ larger than the actual unit size. This requirement is just in case things are not perfectly square or plumb. So how should one finish it off after the unit is installed (fiberglass / foam/ who […]
FAQ: Soffit Venting
I am air-sealing & insulating my attic trying to help prevent ice dams which included adding baffles in each bay. Well while looking outside I see that I only have one vented panel every 4′. Do I need to change out / use ventilated soffits outside only? Hmm, how about the eaves, would it hurt to use ventilated […]
FAQ: Exterior HVAC units – Shading, Misting & other summertime questions
It seems there are numerous questions regarding the outside HVAC unit – from how can I hide it, can I build a deck over it, to does shading it really help save me money? Well lets see if we can help answer some of these typical spring & summertime questions and look at some of the reasons behind […]
FAQ: To remove or not to remove… (WRB’s aka Tyvek & tar paper)
The guy I have installing my vinyl siding just placed the foam over the old “Tyvek”, is that ok or should he have removed it first? The house has tar paper &/or XYZ on it, can I just go over it / will that cause moisture issues? I had a few delays and am now ready […]
FAQ: How quickly will my water heater…
I just drained my tank, how long will it take to heat up? How much hot water can I expect with my shower running? Will I have enough hot water with three teenage girls… These are just a few questions that revolve around just how well a water heater will actually perform based on your needs. In order […]
FAQ: Does my freezer really need to be kept at 0º?
What is the ideal temperature I should keep my freezer & refrigerator at; is it really 0º & 40º? Doesn’t “freezing” always mean things are frozen? I turn my thermostat up during the summer & down during the winter to save electricity, hmm can I raise the temperature of my freezer likewise to save? Recently I ran across this tidbit […]
FAQ: Where should I place a Stand-Alone Freezer?
I don’t have room to put a freezer there… can I leave it outside on my back porch, in an unheated garage, the basement, laundry room??? What happens if it isn’t in the house & temperatures soar or dip below zero, will I have any issues? Convenience First: One of the first considerations is not only where will one fit […]
FAQ: Why are my windows / walls wet or have ice on them?
It seems like every winter the question pops up – why are my windows sweating / have so much condensation on them. It seems invariably that someone pops up with change out your single pane windows with double or triple paned windows… which in many cases turns into “sounds good but I already have them and it […]
FAQ: Ceiling fan direction – summer & winter
One of the biggest questions out there is which direction should my fan be running and how can I tell. You look at the switch and realize it isn’t any help as they don’t even have an arrow saying which way the fan is blowing or even a simple pictograph showing the sun or a […]
FAQ: Should I insulate my Water Heater?
So there you are walking through your favorite home improvement store and there is an insulation blanket or kit for water heaters. Hmm, does that really work? Maybe you pull your smartphone out & it brings you to a piece like this one from EPA’s Earth Month where it states “Improve your water heater’s insulation by wrapping […]