I was called out to a house in Albemarle County yesterday to look at a window issue (I will not post any pictures of the actual project to protect all involved). After some discussion about windows and energy efficiency the home owners moved the discussion to upgrades they had made at their home over the past year. A new 2.5 ton HVAC system was installed on the second floor to supplement the 10 ton unit already installed. The HVAC contractor said it was needed and also rebuilt the entire duct system. As you might expect this work came with a high cost. The home owners also encapsulated part of their crawl space, but did not condition it or insulate. The HVAC system which was probably (most likely) already oversized was made larger leading to short cycling and higher humidity. The crawl space now has no ventilation leading to a humidity problem even with a HUGE dehumidifier running in the space. Nobody looked at the building science behind the problems trying to be addressed. As a result, the home owners have high electric bills, moisture issues, and are feeling defeated.
So how do you find someone you can trust in the industry? These home owners did get references that said the work done at their homes was good. I agree that should be the first place to start. However, this simply narrows the list to contractors that have done what they said they were going to do, it does not mean they have any knowledge of building science or look at holistic solutions. A home is the most complicated machine you will ever own. It performs different on a cloudy day than sunshine filled day. It performs different on a cold day to a hot day. It performs different as it gets older. So how can you ever really trust someone to deliver the right solution?
There are certifications in the industry that show the person doing the work has the added training on a particular topic. To learn about these certifications, read our previous post. You can also ask questions about their experience to see if they know about building science – for instance “what climate are we in?” and “how does our climate impact insulation recommendations?” and “did you do a Manual J to make sure the size of the HVAC unit will work efficiently?”
I was heart-broken yesterday for this retired couple that has used their monetary resources for solutions that are not optimal. There is no going back, just trying to finish and fix what was already put in place spending more money. If you are facing comfort, efficiency, or durability issues in your home, ask lots of questions.
You will almost certainly need a holistic solution as one change will impact many other aspects of your home. It is difficult to know who to trust in our industry. Who is just trying to sell a product and who understands the science behind the problem? I am happy to discuss your home issues, just give me a call.
Those living in the Chesapeake Bay Water Shed are going to start hearing a LOT about stormwater over the next few months. Stormwater is water that comes from precipitation (rain, snow, sleet…) and does not soak into the ground. Stormwater runoff is the concern that is now being addressed in a proactive manner in our area. This surface runoff, which can flow directly into a stream or creek or through storm sewers and eventually becomes surface waters.
The two main concerns of stormwater are flooding and water pollution. We have found ways to battle the flooding issues over the years by building higher, channeling streams to avoid flooding in inhabited areas, and by building detention ponds. Now we are addressing the water pollution aspect of stormwater as we see the negative impacts on our fresh water resources. Runoff from impervious surfaces (roads, buildings, driveways, gravel parking lots) does not soak into the ground and collects chemicals such as oil, engine coolant, and degreasers which ends up in our surface water. Heavy rains on our front yards wash off the excess fertilizers and weed killers we use to keep the lawn green into our watershed. Agriculture uses heavy pesticides and fertilizers to amp up crop growth which also seeps into our streams. Erosion along stream edges and livestock being allowed into streams is also a major problem with our watershed issues. Of course industry has also played a part in the problem over the years as many businesses were developed along waterways to take advantage of the supply of fresh water.
After a very cold winter, I think we are all celebrating Spring this year. Here are some pictures that I have taken over the last few weeks as our spring has begun to bloom here in the Valley.
The Harrisonburg office building being renovated in downtown has moved into the next stage of construction. Holes are cut in the roof, stair towers are rising through the existing shell, and the elevator shaft will soon be evident from the street. The second floor will soon be in place. Let us know what you think so far. Phase 1 Demolition see here.
Stack Effect is the movement of air into and out of buildings, driven by air pressure, temperature differential, and moisture.
Buildings leak air through walls, interior and exterior, ceilings, crawl spaces, basements, and attics. This movement of air will result in warm air rising in a space forcing a higher air pressure at the highest points in your home. During the heating season, the warmer air riser through a building and escapes through attic access, recessed lights, ventilated attics, unsealed ducts, and top wall plates. The rising warm air pulls cooler air in behind it from outside – through crawl spaces, basement, rim board, bottom wall plate, windows, and doors. Air infiltration is a huge concern in a building as it contributes to comfort issues (drafts), moisture, and higher electric bills. On the other hand, using stack effect in a high performance home to your advantage can help cool your home in the summer months. Creating a solar chimney forms a nature powered air conditioner.
The rising warm air pulls cooler air in behind it from outside – through crawl spaces, basement, rim board, bottom wall plate, windows, and doors. Air infiltration is a huge concern in a building as it contributes to comfort issues (drafts), moisture, and higher electric bills. On the other hand, using stack effect in a high performance home to your advantage can help cool your home in the summer months. Creating a solar chimney forms a nature powered air conditioner. 