Energy-Efficient Building

Energy-efficient homes aren't just more economical, they're also more comfortable. This collection of 29 articles from Fine Homebuilding magazine will teach you how to make your home more energy efficient with information on materials and techniques that can make a difference in how much energy is required to make your home comfortable. 160 pp.

You'll learn how to:

• test a house for air leaks
• choose the right windows for your home
• build an efficient fireplace
• retrofit a threshold to provide extra weather protection
• fix a cold, drafty house by sealing and insulating the attic
• prevent ice dams with proper insulation and roof ventilation

Table of Contents:

• 1 Testing Homes for Air Leaks
  
• 2 Understanding Common Moisture Problems
  
• 3 Fixing a Cold, Drafty House
  
• 4 Insulation Comes of Age
  
• 5 Preventing Ice Dams
  
• 6 Energy-Saving Details
• 7 A Rumford Fireplace, Southwestern Style
  
• 8 Sunspace House
  
• 9 A Primer on Heating Systems
  
• 10 Choosing Ductwork
  
• 11 Taking a Look at Windows
  
• 12 Building a "Green" House
  
• 13 Retrofitting a Threshold
  
• 14 Venting a Traditional Eave
  
• 15 Understanding Energy-Efficient Windows
  
• 16 Building a Straw-Bale House
  
• 17 Shedding Light on Skylights
  
• 18 Frost-Protected Shallow Foundations
  
• 19 Wall Sheathing Choices
  
• 20 Making Storm Windows
  
• 21 Sizing Up Housewraps
• 22 Installing Housewrap
  
• 23 Hydronic Radiant-Floor Heating
  
• 24 Mixing Forced-Air and Boiler Heat
  
• 25 Framing Corners
  
• 26 Building an Efficient Fireplace
  
• 27 High Efficiency at Low Cost
  
• 28 A Solar House in a Cold Climate
• 29 Cozy in Any Weather