Energy Overview Have you heard the saying about putting a drain plug in the bathtub before adding more water? That’s the same way we look at energy in a home. While the source of your energy is important (whether you heat with wood, diesel, or solar), it’s not the first priority in planning a house.…
Ventilation Ventilation is critical in any climate because it replaces stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air, and flushes out potential pollutants caused by combustion appliances or offgassing materials. Ventilation is especially important in cold climates, where homes are often built tighter and allow less natural air leakage. Ventilation also controls indoor humidity, which is…
Foundations A building’s foundation must be carefully engineered to support the weight of the structure. In cold climates, foundations are susceptible to heat loss and damage related to surrounding soil conditions. With 80% of Alaska underlaid by permafrost, or permanently frozen ground, one of the greatest challenges is building foundations that can remain stable over…
