Energy-Efficient Building

by Fine Homebuilding Magazine, Taunton Press, Fine Homebuilding Magazine

Although energy costs are near an all-time low, modern energy efficiency offers more than just It offers comfort. With the help of this book, homeowners and builders can build lasting comfort into their homes -- and save money. This new addition to the best-selling Best of Fine Homebuilding series brings together 29 of the best articles from Fine Homebuilding magazine that cover topics from choosing ductwork and housewrap to building more efficient fireplaces and storm windows. The articles detail specific projects home-owners or builders can do to improve the energy efficiency of a traditional home. Over 200 photos and 50 color illustrations make concepts and product comparisons easy to understand, even for non-professionals. All of the articles are intended to solve common home energy such as those associated with doors, skylights, water heaters, and heating systems. Energy-Efficient Building is an essential reference for homeowners and builders alike and invaluable to anyone building a new home.

Genres: Construction

160 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1999

Reviews

[mathiasx · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a collection of magazine articles that was published in 1999, the contents of this book are hit or miss. Some of them are outdated and some of them talk too much about old, less efficient ideas. (Such as vapor retarders on the “warm” side of the wall interior.) That’s to be expected. Opinions change and materials and equipment have gotten better. What was worthwhile was details on how houses had been built differently and how they’d performed. It’s sad to say that even though some of the houses covered in this book were built in the late 80’s, 99.9% of the houses built or remodeled today are not nearly as efficient (and therefore comfortable in extreme weather, and durable against rot and mold/mildew, etc.) We have a long way to go, yet, to get the US housing stock to a reasonable energy efficiency level.