Green Energy Efficiency Questions

How do I insulate uneven stone basement walls in a rehab row house in Philly?

— Alden Blyth Philadelphia, PA

Answered by Polly Osborne, AIA, LEED AP on June 6, 2010

Please recommend an energy efficient furnace for a 3,000 sq. ft. two-story with finished basement. Are there any potential rebates?

— Van Nguyen Lorton, VA

Answered by Karen Smuland on June 5, 2010

My electric water heater is in the basement of my two-story house. Do you recommend a tankless water heater under the circumstances?

— Lee Glenn Chapel Hill, NC

Answered by Erik Henry on June 4, 2010

I am trying to research, compare and decide the most energy efficient product for all my windows: solar screens vs. solar film?

— Robert Sherrow Flower Mound, TX

Answered by Florian Speier on June 4, 2010

Should I follow my service company's advice and replace my current AC unit with a new "environmentally friendly" Freon unit?

— Gaby Mendelsohn Charleston, SC

Answered by Steve Saunders on June 1, 2010

My roof has two layers of 4-inch foam insulation with a 2-inch gap between them. Do I need to vent this gap to stop condensation?

— Kerry Fenn Fort Lauderdale, FL

Answered by Bill Bradbury on June 1, 2010

My new apt. has inefficient electric heaters plugged directly into outlets. What can I replace these with without redoing the whole system?

— Andrea New York, NY

Answered by Bill Bradbury on June 1, 2010

Should I use open or closed-cell foam insulation only on attic and gables, not walls? I do not want water problems.

— Gail Johnson Crowley, LA

Answered by Hamid Kashani - AIA on May 28, 2010

Is it ever okay to have exposed fiberglass insulation in a room?

— cindy Burnsville, MN

Answered by Hamid Kashani - AIA on May 28, 2010

Does the USGBC approve air-conditioning installation in LEED-certified buildings?

— Edna Bronx, NY

Answered by Polly Osborne, AIA, LEED AP on May 27, 2010

Is closed-cell foam -- sprayed in -- OK to use for an entire house in southeastern PA?

— Nelson Nafziger Parkesburg, PA

Answered by Sean Lintow Sr on May 25, 2010

Should we use open cell or closed cell SPF insulation on the underside of our attic roof in southeast Louisiana?

— William Jordan Slidell, LA

Answered by Rick Goyette on May 20, 2010

I am building a new house and trying to decide between the Spider Insulation system vs. spending more for spray foam. What do you recommend?

— Melanie Winston Salem, NC

Answered by Erik Henry on May 19, 2010

I need to replace my A/C unit. What minimum SEER level should the new unit have?

— abraham Rio Rancho, NM

Answered by Tammy Schwolsky, LEED AP, GPR, HPwES on May 11, 2010

I have heard that if you turn a light on and off frequently you shouldn't use a fluorescent bulb. Is this true of compact fluorescents?

— Sherrie VandePutte Ortonville, MI

Answered by David Bergman on May 7, 2010

 

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