How do I keep my chimney clean and safe? The beginning of each heating season is a good time for a chimney inspection, including stoves as well as boilers and furnaces. One of the most common causes of chimney fires is the pipe coming in contact with combustibles....
Using thermal mass to capitalize on passive solar design Do you feel like you should be taking advantage of our seemingly endless hot summer days, but you’re not quite ready to invest in solar panels? Many homes in Alaska capture heat during parts of the year with...
The Moisture Issue Controlling moisture is one of the greatest challenges for homes in cold climates. That’s because we produce a lot more moisture inside our homes than most people realize through everyday activities like cooking, bathing, and having plants and pets....
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...
