insulation

Going Green

Passivhaus Design

It started off as a super-energy-efficient residential design standard in Germany. Passivhaus Design is an extremely tight building standard, minimizing outside air infiltration at every possible opportunity.  Less outside air entering a structure means the […]
Going Green

Pipe Insulation

An easy DIY project is to add foam insulation to all the water piping. Insulation on hot water piping reduces heat lost to the environs.  Insulation on cold water piping prevents condensation.  The water from […]
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Going Green

Damaged Insulation Systems

Sagging or missing sections of insulation should be repaired, as they not only waste energy but may also indicate a leaking pipe in need of repair. If the insulation is worn because it covers a […]
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Going Green

Insulate Hot-Water Heater and Storage Tank

Many utilities provide water heater “blankets” at no cost. Others offer rebates to businesses and individuals who purchase high-efficiency hot-water heaters that have extra insulation built into the unit. If the heater is in the […]
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Going Green

Increase Pipe Insulation Thickness

Many older buildings were built at a time when energy was inexpensive. The hot-water piping may not have been insulated at all, or it could be wrapped to a less than optimum thickness. Pipe routed […]