Planning an energy efficient home The Foundation This is your best chance ever to get it right, so know your soils and build accordingly. Good site drainage and foundation waterproofing are crucial here. Ground moisture can be an ongoing problem if it isn’t dealt with...
How do I insulate my foundation and how much is enough? Insulating a foundation is an important step in both retaining heat during the winter and reducing heating costs. Concrete or concrete block, the material used to build most Alaskan home foundations, is very...
What windows are best for a passive solar home? Even in a place as cold and dark as Fairbanks, you can get net solar gain through south-facing windows every month of the year except December. So “passive solar” homes are definitely possible in Alaska, but only if you...
Home Orientation How your home is oriented on the land should be one of your first considerations when building a house. Most houses are designed for “curbside appeal,” or to give a certain appearance from the street. Others are designed with windows carefully placed...
Which energy efficiency upgrades are best for your house? That’s what an energy model will tell you. How much insulation to use in the walls, the roof, or the floor are some of the most commonly asked questions in the construction industry – by both contractors and...
