Uncategorized

I’m building a  very low budget, below net zero house. It is a 1.5 story on a 40’x28′ footprint. It will have 1920 sf of conditioned space. its close to Dallas TX (2800 cdd 65, 2500 hdd65) I’ve run some numbers. With slightly above average insulation and high seer wall mount mini splits I can […]

Guest Blogs The longtime editor of Old-House Journal explains why preservation is often more interesting and budget-friendly than remodeling. | September 16, 2026 Drawing on decades of experience with Old-House Journal, editor emeritus Patricia Poore argues that old houses should be appreciated not just for their charm and craftsmanship but for the history, design intent, […]

Environmental Concerns Grow as AI and Data Centers Expand A new national AP poll finds rising concern about AI’s environmental footprint as data center growth increases demand for electricity, water, and local infrastructure. By Stasia DeMarco September 16, 2026 A growing share of Americans are concerned about the environmental impact of artificial intelligence as the […]

Hi all, Zone 5A. Working towards a few things in my basement. 1970s build. Cinder block wall and poured concrete floor. 2 story home and basement contains the home HVAC. The basement itself is not temperature controlled. I have a few problems to tackle down here insulation/radon/etc. # 1 is the windows and I’d like […]

Become a GBA Prime member and get full access to GBA articles, enyclopedia, videos, CAD library, and more. Subscribe

I’m seeking feedback on a venting solution for a new construction project in cimate zone 4B. Roofing: Metal roof over plywood deck. Assembly: Hybrid conditioned attic. R-49 fiberglass batts will be wire-hung from the 2×4 top truss chords, capped on the interior with taped Tyvek. Venting: Continuous heavy-duty rigid baffles to maintain a 2-inch air […]

Green Building News A 2026 report in Nature observes how LEDs’ limited light spectrum can impact mitochondria levels By Justin R. Wolf | September 15, 2026 Light-emitting diode (LED) technology has long been touted as the energy smart choice for homeowners, offering a combination of efficiency and longevity that incandescent lighting could never match. LEDs […]

My house used to be primarily heated by a propane fired modcon boiler (hydronic fan coil).  Before the tax credits expired, I moved over to heat pumps, with the boiler as backup. The boiler also provided DHW via an indirect tank, but since I was barely using the boiler anymore (and, again, before the tax […]

Final Rule Rolls Back 2024 Power Plant Carbon Standards EPA projects the repeal will generate $310 billion in savings. By Danielle Naidu September 15, 2026 Fossil fuel-fired power plants will face fewer federal greenhouse gas requirements after the EPA finalized the repeal of most provisions in its 2024 Carbon Pollution Standards. The final rule removes […]

Michigan Governor Funds Clean Transportation Projects Ten projects will receive approximately $1.5 million to test hydrogen, electric vehicle and mobility technologies. By Chelsey Arries September 14, 2026 Michigan has awarded $1.5 million to 10 projects aimed at advancing clean energy, transportation and infrastructure technologies through real-world testing and deployment. The funding, announced by Gov. Gretchen […]