Exhaust Only Ventilation

Exhaust-Only Ventilation

Exhaust-only Ventilation Exhaust-only ventilation is a one-sided system that typically relies on bathroom and kitchen fans to get rid of stale air but does not provide any dedicated source of fresh air. To make up for the lost air, the house draws outside air through leaks in the floors and walls (this is called “makeup…

slab foundation

On-grade Foundations

On-grade Foundations On-grade foundations are a popular design in Interior Alaska because they are less expensive than crawlspace foundations without having the energy penalty of raised foundations. “Slab-on-grade” means the house rests on a concrete slab directly on the ground. The edges of the slab are thick to accommodate the weight of the walls and…

Biomass

Biomass

Biomass Biomass is a valuable resource in many parts of Alaska where firewood is rich and plentiful. For many, it’s a fuel you can harvest right from the backyard with nothing but a saw. Biomass is a key part of our energy strategy at the Cold Climate Housing Research Center as well. With the right…