U-Tube Manometer Madness, Part 2
Let's dive into some more manometer madness today, shall we? Last week I tried to clear up some weird stuff I saw online about U-tube manometers. And then I found out that I might have made things worse, at least…
The Energy Vanguard Blog
How to Read a U-Tube Manometer
Take a look at the set of photos of the U-tube manometer on my new radon mitigation system above. Can you tell which ones show that the radon fan is on? In which ones would the fan be off? Are…
Radon Mitigation Basics for an Older Home
I've been telling you the story of radon in my Atlanta home for three years now. In April 2023, I got the results of my first radon test. In July of that year, I installed a continuous radon monitor to…
Insulation Manufacturers Announce New Airtight Fiberglass
You know how fiberglass insulation gets a bad rap because it doesn't stop air leakage? Go look around in an attic and you'll see nasty old insulation that's full of dirt (see lead photo). Some people even call it "filterglass"…
5 Ways to Get Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in an All-Electric Home
Carbon monoxide poisoning can be deadly. Even if it's not deadly, it can make you ill. Maybe it's just a headache that won't go away. Or flu-like symptoms. How about brain fog and lethargy? You can't see or smell carbon…
The Most Expensive Fixed-Capacity HVAC System
It didn't come naturally for me to use my hands when I talk. I had to teach myself to do that, and it has come in quite handy. (Did I really do that?) When I've spoken about the mismatch between…
It’s Hard to Undersize a Heating System
One of the biggest fears of HVAC contractors is to undersize a heating system. I'm not saying it's impossible, but installing a heating system that won't keep a house warm is really hard to do. Sometimes the rules of thumb…
Induction Cooking Pot Hype vs. Reality
I needed a new induction cooking pot. So I searched Amazon and decided on one that seemed like it would do the job. It said "Induction Cooking Pot" right there in the title (screenshot below). The description reinforced that: "The…
6 Ways Your Oversized HVAC System Makes Things Worse
Whether you live in a house, an apartment, or a condo, your HVAC system is probably oversized. In fact, it's not uncommon for residential systems to be 2 or even 3 times larger than they should be (although they don't…
Decades of Home Performance Expertise Await You in Ohio
Want to be known for your home performance expertise? Or add to your building science knowledge and skills? How about connect with others who do home performance work? There's one event that is hands down the best place to do…