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Why a ‘HERS’ Rating is Essential for Net Zero Construction in Vermont
What is the “HERS” Rating System? Facing the need for a more accurate metric to rate home energy efficiency, in 2006 the HERS (Home Energy Rating System) Index was established by the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) and is an integral part of the Energy Star Homes rating index. In fact, to become an Energy…
Downsizing Your Home or Right-sizing? Sustainable Living
One of our friends, a well-known author who recently passed 65, decided to “downsize” his home. His reasons were numerous, though none were financial (except that with less to pay to live, he would have more to share with those in need.) His wife was not in total agreement at first, but she has adjusted…
Affordable Zero Energy Homes: Foundations – Part 2
In the not-too-distant past, not enough attention was paid to the slab. The foundation hole was dug and leveled, and then four to six inches of concrete we poured into the forms. Some builders still take a similar approach to the slab (especially what is under it). But concrete slabs aren’t like carpet. Once the…
The Construction of a High Performance Home: Week 5
The completion of week five leaves us with a partially finished roof system and the garage concrete not yet poured. The roof trusses, which were dropped off Monday morning, had to be set by hand (mostly) because the crane could not be on site long enough thanks to the load limits on the roads. I’ve…
Downsizing for Seniors: The Importance of Energy Star Ratings
So you’ve decided to downsize your home, and now you’re considering your options. Living under someone else’s thumb (retirement community / assisted living) does not appeal to you. But living in a little farmhouse in Vermont sounds wonderful. After all, it’s beautiful there in any season, you’ll own a small piece of history, and the last…
The Construction of a High-Performance Home: Week 10
Week ten was one of those weeks where it would be difficult to notice how much work was accomplished on this high performance home if you hadn’t been on site all week to see firsthand. These are the times when the crew loves it when I show up and say, “what have you guys been…
The 4 Key Steps for Designing for Net Zero Construction in Vermont
If you’ve discovered net zero construction in Vermont, you realize you’ve discovered the most efficient living space on the planet. With the unpredictability of utility costs coupled with foreign energy dependence, net zero is the smart choice for both today and the future. What Does it Take to Build a Net Zero Home? Building a…
What Is The Value of a Human Life?
Reflections on Forty Years of Building Codes by Paul Biebel, Founder and President, Prudent Living, Inc. Forty-three years ago, when I was just starting to learn different facets of the building trade, I worked as an unofficial apprentice to a licensed electrician in his eighties who had been around since the days of Edison –…
Floor Framing Hung Off a Ledger
Hanging a floor system off balloon-framed walls isn’t too different from platform framing. The floor system is comprised of Weyerhaeuser’s TJI joists, Microllam LVLs for ledgers, Timberstrand LSL Rim Board, and Huber’s Advantech flooring. Microllams are used where joist hangers are needed to support the TJIs and the LSL rim board is used along the…
The Key Benefits of High Performance Net Zero Construction in Vermont
Building a high-performance net zero construction in Vermont is the best way to plan for your future. A high-performance home might cost a bit more upfront but offers the best long-term choice in terms of saving energy costs and saving the planet. So what are the key benefits? Energy Efficiency The three benefits of energy…