by srmi | Apr 25, 2023 | Energy News
What are VOCs? Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that vaporize and enter the lungs through normal breathing. VOCs are ingredients in paints, cleaning products, and adhesives. Building materials such as carpet, linoleum, composite wood products, and...
by srmi | Apr 18, 2023 | Energy News
Purpose of ZNE A ZNE home is one where the value of the energy produced by on-site renewable energy resources is equal to the value of grid energy consumed annually. Net-zero is measured by the Time Dependent Valuation (TDV) Metric. TDV is the cost-effectiveness and...
by srmi | Mar 19, 2023 | Energy News
Balanced Ventilation Systems Balanced ventilation systems exhaust stale air and provide fresh air through a ducted distribution system. Of all the ventilation schemes, they do the best job of controlling pollutants in the home. Balanced systems move equal amounts of...
by srmi | Mar 13, 2023 | Energy News
Install Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarms Carbon monoxide and smoke alarms are now common products that the building code requires in all new homes. These alarms wake occupants if the concentration of CO or smoke becomes dangerous. Building owners can buy combination...
by srmi | Dec 14, 2022 | Energy News
Insulation’s ability to resist heat flow is measured by its R-value. “R” stands for “resistance.” Like many numerical values, there are two R-values and we refer to both as “R-value.” The metric R-value is also known as RSI or R for resistance in the “Systeme...
by srmi | Nov 25, 2022 | Energy News
Airtightness and Resistance Effects Most of the hazardous particulates enter the home from outdoors. The airtightness of a home is the most important factor to minimize airborne particles, known as PM2.5, in indoor air. PM2.5 means particles of less than 2.5 microns...
by srmi | Nov 7, 2022 | Energy News
Masonry air leaks Masonry materials must be airtight and have airtight joints between the building assemblies to function as air barriers. Masonry roofs, walls, and floors may or may not be airtight. For example, concrete block isn’t itself airtight. Joints between...
by srmi | Oct 20, 2022 | Energy News
Selecting caulk Caulk fills and seals narrow and consistent joints between building materials. Selecting the best caulk requires recognition of the substrate materials (the materials bordering the joint), the gap size, weather exposure, and joint movement from...
by srmi | Oct 4, 2022 | Energy News
Lead is a dangerous poison. Widely used in the paint and plumbing pipes of residential homes until 1978, lead poisoning remains one of the most serious residential health risks. Lead was also used in gasoline until 1996. Depending on how near your home is located...
by srmi | Sep 21, 2022 | Energy News
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is of great value to homeowners, builders, energy auditors, and codes-and-standard bodies. Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory (LBL) is developing new IAQ metrics that will provide an easy-to-understand IAQ score. Audiences for IAQ Metrics IAQ...
