Building Science

Building Science knowledge is power! Understanding how your house works as a system means you can be an active part of understanding and improving the relationships between each aspect of your home - from the building envelope and heating system to the way you use your space.

Before your house can be energy efficient, it needs to be safe, healthy, comfortable, and durable.  Building science gives your home the strong foundation it needs to perform as well as it feels, and feel as good as it looks.

• Your house needs to breathe.  But not too much.
• Infrared diagnostic testing is one of the most essential (and interesting) parts of a basic home energy audit.
• Hot days, hotter nights?  No, thanks.
• Fiberglass, cellulose, spray foam - all insulation is not the same.
• Were you born in a barn?  Seal up those air leaks and stop heating and cooling your backyard.
• Ice dams are not a roofing problem. They're a sign of heat escaping through your attic.
   

These tools can help you assess your current energy use and make a plan to manage it.
Home Energy Yardstick
My Energy Plan

Or check out some of our favorite books for homeowners and pros here.