FAQ’s, Acronym’s, & Terminology

Electrical FAQ: Off the wall questions…

In some past articles we have talked about swapping out outlets in your house with newer Tamper Resistant ones especially if you wish to child/baby-proof your home or if you wish to give your house a facelift. Last week we also posted a question – just what is wrong with these pictures? If you haven’t […]

FAQ on Duct Cleaning: All Hype or Worthy Expense?

It must be spring time… I got the following in the mail just the other day: 5 different ads all for duct cleaning. With allergy season starting along with my favorite ad asking just “How often are you dusting?” one has to wonder, is it worth it? Along those lines, looking at the pricing and […]

FAQ: Humidifiers – To humidify or not…

It’s that time of year again when the air is drier which can lead frizzy hair, static shock &/or for those in older homes, the doors to finally shut properly. It is also cold & flu season with many doctors recommending humidifiers be run at night for kids who get sick. For many the questions […]

BS4D: Envelope Leakage Testing 101

Lately there have been some questions on just when should I or how early can I do a Blower Door Test. This is also referred to as an air leakage or envelope leakage test (aka as the second part of the DET code mandated testing). This is quickly followed up by what do I need […]

FAQ: What is a Construction Lawyer (and Why Should You Call One)?

I am honored once again to have Christopher G. Hill, LEED AP to post again. He is a Virginia Supreme Court certified mediator, construction lawyer and owner of the Richmond, VA firm, The Law Office of Christopher G. Hill, PC. Chris authors the Construction Law Musings blog where he discusses legal and policy issues relevant […]

FAQ: Why are my windows always so drafty during the winter?

I had new home builder once ranting — it is negative 30 degrees outside & I have an individual standing in front of a huge picture window in a robe, complaining to me over the phone about how cold it is… You know how I know this? Well I was driving by at the time, […]

FAQ: Exterior HVAC units – Should I cover my unit, or… fall & wintertime questions

When it comes to the exterior HVAC unit most people wonder about hiding them and reducing the amount of noise. We delved into that topic in our Spring & Summer HVAC FAQ but now that fall & winter has arrived… Yep now the leaves &/or snow starts falling the some start to wonder; should I […]

FAQ – Do I need storm doors or windows?

As the weather starts turning colder many start wondering – should I replace my windows, get a storm door, install storm windows, or??? Shoot I live in an area governed by an HOA and they won’t allow them, are there other options? For others, I replaced my windows last year & I still have condensation […]

Getting the details right: Door & window openings (interior)

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 […]