Author Archives: kthomas

Passive Solar Design Is Low-Tech Energy Saver

BY Adam Wasch, Energy Outreach Consultant at CCHRC
Energy Focus: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner November 6th, 2008, Section A3

This is the second of a series of columns exploring how solar energy can be used at home to reduce your energy costs.

Even in winter, enough sunlight peeks over the horizon to make a difference in your home’s comfort and energy consumption. Last week, we looked at using active solar technology to heat water and generate electricity, but passive solar design is among the most cost-effective ways to improve the energy efficiency and comfort of your home – without a lot of fancy gadgetry. Continue reading →

With Higher Electricity Costs, Can Solar Power Help?

BY Adam Wasch, Energy Outreach Consultant at CCHRC
Energy Focus: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner October 30th, 2008, Section A3

This is the first of a series of columns exploring how solar energy can be used at home to reduce your energy costs.

Science guys and green types have been using miniature solar panels to animate Legos and twirl dream catchers for years, but has solar power technology advanced to the point where an average homeowner can save money. Is solar power practical? Continue reading →

Roofs: A Top Problem in Keeping Your Home Warm

BY: Ilya Benesch, Building Educator at CCHRC
Energy Focus: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner October 23rd, 2008, Section A3

In severe cold climates, roofs face two important challenges; retaining heat effectively, and controlling moisture trying to escape from the living space. The colder the weather and the longer the winter, the more pronounced the issues can become. Deficiencies and poor building practices that are overlooked in a more forgiving climate become very apparent here in Fairbanks. A basic understanding of your roof system and the challenges it faces can help to identify the sources of problems. Continue reading →

PORTAL Keeps the Energy Doors Open

BY: CCHRC Staff
Energy Focus: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner October 16th, 2008, Section A3

Last week in this column we discussed the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) Energy Rebate program, created late last spring to help homeowners make their homes more energy efficient.

This week, we’ll discuss how to make the right decisions about your home, what resources are available to help you arrange for and understand your energy ratings, and how to undertake energy efficiency changes. Continue reading →

AHFC's Energy Rebate Program

BY: Ilya Benesch, Building Educator at CCHRC
Energy Focus: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner October 9th, 2008, Section A3

In Fairbanks, CCHRC has been funded by AHFC to create the PORTAL (Portal On Retrofits Training And Loans) to help make the statewide weatherization and rebate programs more accessible to the public. The PORTAL office maintains and updates a centralized client sign up list for certified energy raters, provides program applications, and answers questions about energy ratings and weatherization. The Portal is located at 326 Driveway Street Suite 100 and can reached by phone at 455-4328. Their hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday. This is the first of two articles about AHFC programs, and outlines the steps in the rebate program. Continue reading →

Chimney Pipe Safety

BY: Ilya Benesch, Cold Climate Housing Research Center
Energy Focus: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner October 2nd, 2008, Section A3

With winter on the horizon, the wood burning season is starting to gain momentum and all indications are that it will be the busiest in recent history. This brings up the topic of chimney safety. Since people in Fairbanks primarily use factory built insulated metal chimneys, the focus of this article will be on this particular type.
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Masonry heaters are a great way to heat with wood

BY: Norbert Senf, Masonry Heater Association
Energy Focus: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner September 25th, 2008, Section A3

Masonry Heater

Unknown in North America until about 20 years ago, masonry heaters have a long tradition in the colder parts of Europe. Notable exceptions are Britain and France, where our North American fireplace traditions came from.

Continue reading →

Understanding Your Crawl Space

BY: Ilya Benesch, Cold Climate Housing Research Center
Energy Focus: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner September 18th, 2008, Section A3

Crawl spaces are one of those areas in the house that tend to get neglected. The old adage “Out of sight out of mind” might apply here. Unfortunately, this also means that crawl space problems can go unnoticed until they progress into more expensive structural or health-related issues. The crawl space can also present a significant energy drain on a home if not insulated properly.
Continue reading →

An HRV System Overview

BY: Ilya Benesch, Cold Climate Housing Research Center
Energy Focus: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner September 11th, 2008, Section A3

Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) systems are a relative newcomer to the cold climate construction scene, yet have become almost indispensible in today’s super-insulated, air tight homes. They are also becoming an increasingly common element in the current weatherization and insulation retrofitting trend. As older homes are undergoing energy facelifts, and becoming tighter and better insulated, they are also facing the same indoor air quality challenges one would see in new construction. In this article I am hoping to provide a basic understanding of how HRV’s work, their applications, and their advantages.
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Weatherization and Indoor Air Quality Issues

BY: Ilya Benesch, Cold Climate Housing Research Center
Energy Focus: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner September 4th, 2008, Section A3

With the dramatic increase in heating fuel prices, we have been seeing a flurry of activity from both homeowners and contractors to improve insulation values and reduce the air loss in homes around Fairbanks. This is a good thing and something that has been long overdue, especially in some of the older houses. With this surge in home improvement activity, there are a few issues centered around indoor air quality to be aware of. It is important to keep in mind that as you attend to your home’s weak spots, you are likely making the house envelope tighter. This means it may be necessary to introduce fresh air in places where previously it may not have been required. Fortunately, there are a variety of solutions available. They can be as simple as installing an air duct to an appliance and improving exhaust fans, on up to complete Heat Recovery Ventilation Systems (HRV) that can supply fresh air to the whole house while minimizing heat losses.

Continue reading →