Solar thermal / Guides

...solar gain a home can hope for . Climate zones in USA & Canada are important when building homes But the principles of building science remain the same in all climate zones ; in relation to moisture movement though walls, and thermal dynamics (meaning how heat moves from one place to another). To better understand ...

...thermal, air and vapor barriers. See here how to install siding so walls can dry. Warm air rises, so there is always more air pressure at the higher points of any house or building, as in the top floor ceiling. And air will find any hole no matter how small it is. Wind pressure as well as interior mechanical ventilat...

...solar energy. These are homesteads, farms and schools fit for a challenging future of peak oil, climate change and economic transition." By running water through a giant compost pile, it was brought from 7 °C to a blistering 62 °C. Not much more needs to be said that the video doesn't say. We love seeing stuff like t...

...solar energy". The solar people on the committee then designed a solar furnace consisting of about 17.9 m2 or 193 sq. ft. of vacuum tube solar collectors and a 12,700 litre or 3,355 US gallon storage tank insulated to about R100, with appropriate pumps and heat exchangers to supply heat to the house and provide domesti...

...thermal bridges in its insulated envelope, it points to problems in humidity levels in the home – possibly coming from hidden problems in basements, crawlspaces, walls or ventilation systems – and some things are certain when a home has condensation running down the windows: Condensation won't disappear on its own ...

...solar power The latest technologies in Lithium-ion home batteries All about solar panels: how they work Ten questions to ask a solar contractor before singing a contract Off-grid living blog: a homeowner reflects on the design and building process Tesla Solar Roof shingles review Aquion Energy

...Thermal Core, a drywall product said to contain microscopic acrylic capsules of a substance called Micronal, a high-purity paraffin wax that melts at 23°C (73°F). In order to make the change from solid to liquid, these beads need to absorb energy from the air. It doesn't appear they are available in North America unfor...

...thermal bridging and heat loss. This technique also requires a second trip with a concrete pump truck, which depending on your region can run anywhere from $700 to $1000. Instead, what we have done here is known as a 'monopour', where the footing and slab are poured at the same time. Here are the basic steps for slab...