A San Francisco startup says it will introduce a window-mounted heat pump next year that will provide both heating and cooling at a lower cost than professionally installed systems. The device is shaped like a pair of saddlebags, with the evaporator and fan on the inside below the level of the window sill and the  compressor on the outside of the building. The design keeps the noisy part of the system outdoors and blocks less of the window than conventional window AC units. Fast Company posted an article about the Gradient late last month, claiming that when used for both…

Poor installation of insulation matters. Even in cases where you might think the R-value won’t be affected, it is. Eleven years ago this month, I wrote an article about one of the most important and misunderstood principles in building science. The article is titled “Flat or Lumpy: How Would You Like Your Insulation?” In it, I showed what happens to the R-value when a poor installation of insulation is particularly bad. The attic in question was supposed to be a uniform R-30 but instead got only R-10 over 50% of the area and the other half was R-50. It does…

Recently I did a consultation with a homeowner in Michigan. He’s got a 60-year-old house with a boiler and radiant heating system that has become a burden. The pipes for the hydronic distribution system just developed their seventh leak since he’s lived in the house. To repair the leak would require tearing up the kitchen, so he’s looking for other solutions. One possibility is going with all ductless minisplit heat pumps. One HVAC contractor proposed seven indoor units for his 2100-sq.-ft., four-bedroom house—that’s one ductless unit for each bedroom, plus three for the downstairs. The minisplits might be sized appropriately,…

Portland Company Helps Bring Museum to Life | 2021-08-04 | Walls & Ceilings This website requires certain cookies to work and uses other cookies to help you have the best experience. By visiting this website, certain cookies have already been set, which you may delete and block. By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to the use of cookies. Visit our updated privacy and cookie policy to learn more. This Website Uses CookiesBy closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Learn More This website requires certain cookies…

Owens Corning Launches PINK Next Gen Fiberglas Insulation | 2021-08-03 | Walls & Ceilings This website requires certain cookies to work and uses other cookies to help you have the best experience. By visiting this website, certain cookies have already been set, which you may delete and block. By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to the use of cookies. Visit our updated privacy and cookie policy to learn more. This Website Uses CookiesBy closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Learn More This website requires certain…