Mechanical systems

Discover how the Merino Mono delivers high-efficiency cooling and heating without the 240V upgrades, outdoor condensers, or the risk of pulling radon into your home. The Merino Mono: The first through-wall plug-and-play heat pump The Merino Mono installs quickly and easily with very little disruption to your home…

An in-depth look at transparent photovoltaic windows, efficiency ratings, maintenance needs, and the ROI of turning your home's glazing into a solar power plant. Generate power with PV coatings on windows The transition toward net-zero building has traditionally focused on rooftops, but energy-generating glass…

Compare initial costs, ROI, and efficiency of air to water heat pumps versus gas or electric boilers for slab on grade radiant floor heating. What's the best way to heat a slab on grade home foundation? A slab on grade is a very cost-effective, durable and low-impact foundation for a home. You get to live above…

Are lithium-ion battery fires a real threat or just a media trend? Discover the actual odds, the science of thermal runaway, and how to safely manage batteries in a modern home. Lithium-ion home battery safety: Lithium-ion batteries have revolutionized how we power our lives, from smartphones and laptops to electric…

Want to eliminate energy bills? Learn to integrate solar PV, heat pumps, and home batteries to master net metering and avoid peak rates. A homeowners and pros guide. I apologize for missing that deletion. I have removed the heading for "Envelope-first approach" and ensure it is no longer in the code below…

The latest battery technology for home power storage as well as EVs is quickly becoming the market leader. Find out why LFP batteries are stealing market share from Lithium Ion batteries. LFP vs lithium-ion: a homeowner's & pro's guide As residential energy storage becomes a standard feature in high-performance…

Discover the best way to heat a home with solar panels only, whether that is for an off grid heating system or just for future proofing and home resiliency. What is the best off grid heating system? We live in a very uncertain global climate with rising fuel prices, and increasingly catastrophic weather events…

Discover how composting toilets work, compare self-contained and centralized models, and navigate the legal requirements for off-grid homes, tiny houses, and ADUs. Composting toilets: a homeowner's & pro's guide For off-grid living, tiny houses, and sustainable residential projects, the composting toilet has evolved…

A comprehensive guide to the best under-counter water filters for 2026. Compare Reverse Osmosis, carbon block, and UV systems to remove lead, PFAS, and microplastics from your tap water. Home drinking water filters: a homeowner's & pro's guide Ensuring access to clean, safe drinking water is a top priority for…

Master the basics of outdoor wood boilers, from high-efficiency gasification technology and EPA standards to integrating hydronic heating for homes, garages, and workshops. Outdoor wood burning boilers: Is this the right home heating system? For homeowners seeking energy independence, outdoor wood burning boilers…

A complete breakdown of district heating, from central plants and underground networks to 5th generation ambient loops. Learn the pros, cons, and how DE impacts your home and community. District heating and district energy systems: What they are and how they work District heating, also known as district energy (DE)…