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Energy Vanguard
Добавлен 25 сен 2011
Solid information to help you understand the building science of homes. We cover indoor air quality, comfort, heat pumps, duct system problems and fixes, and much more.
What I Saw in a Neighbor's Attic
I went to an open house in my neighborhood and of course had to check out the attic. The spray foam looked good on first inspection. I didn't have a blower door and didn't crawl around the edges, so I don't know how airtight it is. But at least they put a good amount of open-cell spray foam insulation on the roof deck and covered the rafters.
The one thing I saw that wasn't so good was the presence of the old insulation on the floor of the attic. It's best to remove that.
Here's more about spray foam attics:
4 Pitfalls of Spray Foam Insulation
www.energyvanguard.com/blog/4-Pitfalls-of-Spray-Foam-Insulation
Spray Foam Insulation at the Edge - A Forensic Analysis
www.energyvanguard.com/blog/spra...
The one thing I saw that wasn't so good was the presence of the old insulation on the floor of the attic. It's best to remove that.
Here's more about spray foam attics:
4 Pitfalls of Spray Foam Insulation
www.energyvanguard.com/blog/4-Pitfalls-of-Spray-Foam-Insulation
Spray Foam Insulation at the Edge - A Forensic Analysis
www.energyvanguard.com/blog/spra...
Просмотров: 32
Видео
So You Want Third-Party HVAC Design?
Просмотров 1224 часа назад
Energy Vanguard designs the heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems for a lot of homes in the United States. Here's a little bit about how it works to hire us and what you can expect. To visit the HVAC design pages on our website, click below: www.energyvanguard.com/hvac-design/
Bernoulli's Principle & Static Pressure
Просмотров 7021 час назад
HVAC professionals talk about static pressure and velocity pressure. How does that relate to Bernoulli's Principle? Watch this short video and find out. Other sources of info about Bernoulli's Principle: Rats to You, Daniel Bernoulli! - Understanding Air Pressure www.energyvanguard.com/blog/rats-to-you-daniel-bernoulli-understanding-air-pressure/ Bernoulli's Leaf Blower ruclips.net/video/YZ37B3...
Basement Remodel Update #6
Просмотров 174Месяц назад
Since last month, I've rebuilt a wall, put more InSoFast insulation panels on the floor and walls, chipped mortar off a concrete block wall, and gotten some Advantech X-Factor subflooring to install. Mentioned in the video: Corsi-Rosenthal box fan air cleaner www.energyvanguard.com/blog/the-what-why-and-how-of-the-corsi-rosenthal-box/ InSoFast insulation panels www.insofast.com/ Huber's Advante...
Basement Remodel Update #5
Просмотров 3622 месяца назад
Here's what's happened since my last update. The structural issues are sorted out and mostly complete. And now phase 1 is bleeding into phase 2, but they'll be separated again soon. Mentioned in this video: InSoFast insulation panels: www.insofast.com/ Innotech Windows www.innotech-windows.com/ Passive Purple www.intelligentmembranes.com/ Disclosures: InSoFast provided discounted insulation pan...
Basement remodel update, May 2024
Просмотров 1193 месяца назад
I've been remodeling my basement this year. We've made good progress lately and are finally moving beyond the big impasse.
Basement Remodel Update
Просмотров 815 месяцев назад
We're three weeks into our basement renovation now, so here's a little update AND a request for advice. I need to do something about the windows and would like to hear your suggestions. See the video for details.
How Does the Heat Pump Defrost Cycle Work?
Просмотров 3 тыс.5 месяцев назад
You may have noticed that your heat pump's outdoor unit occasionally builds up a layer of frost. It's perfectly normal, and the heat pump has a built-in defrost cycle to melt it. In this video, we discuss a little about how heat pumps work, why frost appears, and how the defrost cycle works. Also, you'll see some problems that can occur if you don't plan well for what happens with the melted fr...
Hotel Room Ventilation That Works!
Просмотров 6026 месяцев назад
Most hotel rooms have only an exhaust fan for ventilation. And in many hotels, exhaust-only ventilation causes at least as many problems as it solves. At this hotel in Houston, Texas, the exhaust fan in the bathroom is coupled with a vent supplying outdoor air to the room. How do you know whether a ventilation system is doing its job or not? One way is to measure the carbon dioxide level in the...
Basement Remodel Update - Drains
Просмотров 8816 месяцев назад
The basement remodel has started off with a bang. After getting the demolition done (ruclips.net/video/3YBFp0bRoCA/видео.html), we turned to the drains. Two types of drains actually. The work we had done in the second week of this project was getting a lot of the old cast iron drain lines replaced, even some out in the front yard. Then the third week kicked off with the replacement of the very ...
Surprises You Find in a Basement Demolition
Просмотров 1 тыс.6 месяцев назад
Energy Vanguard's founder is beginning the renovation of his basement with a day of demolition and asbestos abatement. Here are some of the surprises he found. Also see: 7 Reasons to Gut Your Bathroom When You Remodel www.energyvanguard.com/blog/7-reasons-to-gut-your-bathroom-when-you-remodel How Much Should You Worry About Asbestos www.energyvanguard.com/blog/How-Much-Should-You-Worry-About-As...
Sneak preview: A House Needs to Breathe...Or Does It?
Просмотров 380Год назад
Sneak preview: A House Needs to Breathe...Or Does It?
The What, Why, and How of the High MERV Box Fan Air Cleaner
Просмотров 884Год назад
The What, Why, and How of the High MERV Box Fan Air Cleaner
Allison Bailes on Flex Duct, 2017 Building Science Summer Camp
Просмотров 2,1 тыс.7 лет назад
Allison Bailes on Flex Duct, 2017 Building Science Summer Camp
Cleaning Your Air Conditioner Condensate Line
Просмотров 34 тыс.9 лет назад
Cleaning Your Air Conditioner Condensate Line
Bats flying out from under the bridge in Austin, Texas
Просмотров 66910 лет назад
Bats flying out from under the bridge in Austin, Texas
Interview with the Inventor of the Turbo Thermo-Encabulator Max
Просмотров 2,7 тыс.11 лет назад
Interview with the Inventor of the Turbo Thermo-Encabulator Max
Blower Door Test of a Gasketed Electrical Switch
Просмотров 12 тыс.11 лет назад
Blower Door Test of a Gasketed Electrical Switch
Turbo Thermo-Encabulator Max Interview Sneak Peek
Просмотров 24011 лет назад
Turbo Thermo-Encabulator Max Interview Sneak Peek
Building Science Boogie Band 2012 Day 1
Просмотров 40312 лет назад
Building Science Boogie Band 2012 Day 1
Lumpy Spray Foam Insulation in an Attic
Просмотров 103 тыс.12 лет назад
Lumpy Spray Foam Insulation in an Attic
Allison, how about some insight on your experience installing the InSoFast insulated wall and floor panels, pros and cons?
Steven, that's coming soon. I've been planning what I want to put into it and should have it out before Labor Day.
It’s very good for your air quality in The Home as well. I have so many people ask me what type of filtration system I have on my house do I use a UV light etc. I still always recommend every so often Open some windows, and get some fresh air!!!
Well, it CAN be good for IAQ, but that depends on the outdoor air quality. I'm going to add that issue to the discussion when I do the longer video on this topic.
@@TheEnergyVanguard if your outdoor air quality is really that bad you should definitely move. There were certain areas in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, especially Canonsburg, which at one point was the most radioactive town in America. That was back I believe in the 1920’s. There’s also up and down the Monongahela River outside of Pittsburgh, a zinc, producing plant. Every so often due to the weather conditions, the zinc, toxic fumes could not leave and would get people very sick. I did have a neighbor who she would never opened her windows because she did not want to let pollen into her home since it will affect her allergies. Meanwhile : she had I think seven cats, asthma/allergies / COPD / high blood pressure and smoked heavily. But she refused to open up her windows to bring fresh air into her home, because it would affect her allergies. 😑😑😑😑😑😑😑😑😑 really???
🧢
What kinda foam again ?
Closed-cell spray polyurethane foam
Is your tip related exclusively to ensuring access to wiring, or is this also a fire concern? That is, is there a concern that wiring embedded deeply in closed cell spray foam might lead to overheating of the wire?
Good question! There's been a lot of debate about the compatibility of wiring and foam insulation, but as far as I know, there's no definite conclusion. It does seem, though, that when closed-cell foam isn't installed properly, it can melt the PVC sheathing on the cable because of the excess heat given off by the foam right after installation.
Sleave wires .and so many hacks in all the trades!! I've seen it all but there's always lazy dopey contracters
Yes, there are definitely a lot of hacks and lazy contractors. There are also good contractors who bury wires in closed cell foam just because they haven't considered the consequences for future work.
just spray & wipe the outside of those windows with Rain-X anti-fogging spray !!! … easier than making your waffles 😅
That will keep the windows condensation from beading up on the windows but not from forming. You'll just have a bigger pool of water at the base of the window. The way to solve the problem is not to keep the interior so cold and use better windows.
thanks for sharing- I had to explain this last week to a worker
It's a fun topic!
I would like to hear more about the “plastic” wall covering. I have a project we will start soon adding a bedroom to an existing basement. I have looked at InSoFast insulated panels instead of the standard 2x4 stud wall.
The plastic was added as a drainage plane by the interior perimeter drain company. I've since removed it because it interferes with installing the InSoFast panels, which can act as the drainage plane themselves. Stay tuned for a new video about the InSoFast system coming out within the next couple of months. I'll discuss that issue as well as lots of other stuff about those insulation panels.
@@TheEnergyVanguard thanks for the clarification
Good video
Should I add to top of door or bottom? My two main returns are in the hallway ceilings. Thanks!
They're made to go on the bottom of the door. In terms of pressure relief, though, it should work in either place. I think it would be more noticeable and less attractive at the top of the door.
First
First
Progress!
I had 600 sq ft added to my house- a den, master bathroom, and master closet. The contractor installed a larger A/C unit and additional ducts to the addition, but didn’t add any new returns. Our bedroom and new bathroom were getting very stuffy at night because we keep our door closed. I installed these on our baby’s room, our bedroom, and the door to the new bathroom. They work great, and are keeping the rooms much more comfortable at night. You can feel the decrease in pressure when opening doors while the A/C is running. I live in MS, btw- VERY hot and humid.
When you add your slab insulation and flooring, what will the minimum finished ceiling height be? I'd like to add some kind of thermal break/vapor barrier to my slab but I don't have a lot of ceiling height to work with.
I've got 8'7" from the top of the slab to the bottom of the 2x8 floor joists. We also have a few places with double 2x10 beams, some drain lines, and a horizontal ducted air handler below the joists. The insulation, subfloor, & finished floor will raise the floor ~3". The bedroom and living room in the guest suite will have a dropped ceiling a few inches below the joists, so we should have about 8 feet there. The bathrooms and kitchenette will be lower, especially where the air handler is in the kitchenette.
@@TheEnergyVanguard Another amazingly thorough and helpful reply. thanks. I have 7'-0" from bottom of joists to top of slab. I have 6'-6" from bottom of main beam. I'm trying to keep the height high enough where a 6' guy like myself doesn't have to duck at all walking thru the basement. Would ECF or Dricore be worth pursuing below my flooring given my constraints?
@@greg03811 Unless you're in a cold climate (IECC climate zone 5 or higher), you can skip the above-slab insulation without taking too much of a hit. Or you could put down a 1/2" foam board with sleepers to get just a bit. With 7' height, your options are limited for floor insulation if you want to keep the headroom.
Looks great, Allison! Planning on doing very similar basement on my Northeast project. How would you handle the condition where the insofast meets a wall mounted electrical panel?
Good question, Greg. You just cut the foam around it. On their website, InSoFast shows how to deal with a lot of different obstructions: conduit, surface mounted junction boxes, pipes, and more. Check out the third and fourth videos on this page: www.insofast.com/resources/interiors-resources/how-to-videos-interiors
@@TheEnergyVanguard Awesome. Thanks. Love that system. A shame none of the contractors I've contacted have worked with it previously.
@@greg03811, yeah, if the ones you've talked to are like my contractor, I'm not surprised. It's different, so he's raised "concerns" (read "fears") about it regarding load bearing, electrical, and drywall.
Looking forward to more updates! Do you know the name of that type of dark duct being used on the ERV? It almost looks like some kind of alumaflex
Yes, it's made of expanded polypropylene and comes from Europe. Zehnder calls it ComfoPipe, and you can read about it here: www.zehnderamerica.com/products/air-distribution-systems/
Looking good! It sure is easier to watch the progress on your basement rather than work on my own.
I know the feeling! We bought the house five years ago and are just now doing the basement.
I brought mine to Disney hotel room and it was above 3000ppm unless I kept the door wide open
That’s crazy. How come videos on this stuff don’t do very well? That is a mental fact haha
Oh my. That's just Wow.
The necessity of defrost is a bit of an 'Achilles heel' of heat pumps. In certain conditions the overall efficiency will be significantly reduced. It would be interesting to see heat pumps tested at highly frosting conditions. Also, to your point about the formation of frost at temperatures well above freezing, it would be interesting to see the data on the actual temperature of the outdoor coil (and compressor rate).
Hello. why does my new mitsubishi AY42 go to DF exactly every 30 minutes at a temperature of 4°C and lower even though there is no ice on the outdoor unit at all. Is it normal for DF to work exactly every time after 30 minutes without the conditions for it being met? Thank you
While older and cheaper systems will activate defrost based on temp only (and subsequently have a 30,60,90 minute interval setting), newer systems should do better. My cheap Chinese units have no problems detecting when it is truly in need of a defrost. I suspect it's due to the fact that it monitors the intake and outgo air temp of the condenser and when they get too close, it figures out that it's blocked and needs a defrost. Of course its hard to find specifics online regarding that unit. Not sure which type yours would be, maybe there is a facebook or reddit group dedicated to that line of units.
@@spazzman90 Did you mean to say that older/cheaper units activate defrost based on *time*?
No. I said they activate defrost on temp. Specifically when the outdoor coil reaches 32f (ambient air could still be 37f or more). Once that threshold has been reached some units have a setting to run a defrost cycle every 30,60,90 mins. Your environment will dictate what you should have that set at. @@DADoESofTX
@@spazzman90 Interesting. The circa 2004 lower-end Carrier unit that was originally at my house had the 30/60/90 jumper selection on the defrost control board. I always assumed that it triggered a defrost solely per the requisite minutes of accumulated run-time regardless of whether defrost was really needed. I sometimes noticed it running a defrost when there was no visible frost on the coils. The 2-stage Trane that replaced it a couple years ago functions much better in that respect.
this always amaze me, heat pump defrost, seen many installation direct to the ground or foundation without clearance from the units`bottom, are those places not experiencing outside temp freezing point and freezes the condense coming out from the defrost
Not stand alone dehumidifier but it will remove a portion of humidity per hour.
Almost 3 years ago I replaced a 28 year old 12 SEER Rudd heat pump with a 20 SEER American Standard. It was the classical “rip and replace” with rule of thumb up-sizing. Your video has finally explained what multiple warranty call backs to the installer never seemed to be able to. Thank you for putting my mind at ease, somewhat. There are still many things that I am learning about my poorly informed decision regarding the heat pump. Your book and newsletters have put me on the right path. I will be in touch soon to obtain some of your company’s services to help me with the journey. I have researched the skill set and I can’t trust any of the local HVAC companies. Building science folks are few and far between here in northern ‘Bama. Thank you again.
I'm sorry to hear about your heat pump difficulties, Raymond. Unfortunately, it's all too common. When you're ready for HVAC design help, just reach out through our website at www.energyvanguard.com/hvac-design/. Thanks for the kind words and for buying the book! (For anyone wondering, here's the book he's talking about: energyvanguardstore.com/.)
Hi Allison, Can you share with us which hotel it was in Houston, Texas?
Not sure if the galvanized steel plumber tape securing the copper water supply in the ceiling of the basement is temporary or not but that strapping should be changed out with either a plastic type (minimum) or copper strap with copper screws. You will experience dissimilar metals causing oxidation and rust which will result in the copper pipe developing a leak eventually.
Good eye, jwb1227! Yes, that strapping is temporary. I put it in to hold the pipes up so I could remove the wall that had been holding them. It won't be long before those pipes get replaced. Galvanic corrosion is indeed a problem in a lot of places when people put dissimilar metals together.
pV = nRT Also explains why refrigerator doors can be hard to open.
Thanks for the video. Always a pleasure to see what you're up to. A question, is there any reason for why the sump pump is being located in the mechanical room?
It's the best place for it. The rest of the interior drain is in what's going to be an apartment, so we need to have access to it.
So...did you get it installed? How many ACH does it provide?
not enough privacy and not very attractive for nice wooden doors a Return duct may be a better solution.
Conditions of his probation/community service. Wow.
Love this! Same type of thing happens on an airplane at 30,000 ft with an empty water bottle that is closed. It crushes before the plane lands.
Yep, exactly the same. I used to demonstrate this to our energy rater classes wih a plastic bottle of mountain air from Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina. I closed it at the top of the mountain, about 6,000 feet of elevation, and it was collapsed when I got back to Atlanta, at 1,000 feet of elevation.
I wanted to see the retrofit. He doesn't mention it until you dig in the articles. It's just a cut out of the lower part of that door. Show the pressure on the far side of the room!
What’s the answer??
why couldn't you just put a vent between the room and the hallway
I just ordered my copy Allison! I'm really excited to receive it - I know it will be an excellent resource. Thank you and congratulations, it is quite an accomplishment. Oh, I must also share that my HVAC system you guys designed is still performing wonderfully (and efficiently) :)
Can't wait
Congratulations Allison! I enjoy you newsletter.
What is the point?
Work release program he was in. This videos is 1989 or 1990
Right but why would mine be forming the way it is, my windows have condensation in a rectangle shape around the window excluding a 2inch barrier in the outside it also has perfectly curved edges do you know why this would be
60 degrees and your waffles are cold.
Me: Why did I just sit through 4 minutes of James brown selling appliances?? Also Me: Why did I like 4 minutes of James brown selling appliances??
how did you drill a 9" hole through your band joist for the comfotubes? i have not seen any 9" hole saws.
Only Energy Vanguard would use a reciprocating saw to open the Zehnder box :-). Thanks for showing such an in-depth look at the inside without a bunch of fluff.
Well, apparently using a great big hunting knife to open a box with something like earbuds in it is a thing in the "unboxing" world, so I thought I needed something bigger for the great big Zehnder box. ;~)
Why isn't this standard in all NEW homes other than a builder just being cheap? Mine was built in 2018 and when we did the walk through I asked the builder why the 2 secondary bedrooms didn't have returns but the master has a a return PLUS a jumper vent to the hall. The main hall also has a return vent. His answer: Most people don't close their bedroom doors---for the secondary bedrooms. LOLOL.
What a waste