A Disastrous Case Study: How Replacing Windows Alone Can Lead to Mold

Example of mold - photo by Damiano Chiarini.

In our previous articles, we have cautioned that an energy retrofit should be approached with an integrated, whole-building approach, and by a professional with experience in calculating and simulating thermal envelopes. The photos below show what happened to one family’s home when they decided to do an independent partial energy retrofit, without consulting a qualified professional. In this case, they decided to replace the old windows of their house with newer, high performance windows, hoping that they would be able to reduce their energy consumption.

How do you define the “health and comfort” of building occupants?

stove in living room

We often refer to the “health and comfort” of building occupants. What does this mean? An ideal building would be one that you wouldn’t notice or feel, one that would allow the body to exist in a healthy and comfortable state and at a comfortable temperature, or even one which would improve your sense of wellbeing upon entering. How do architects know how to design for your comfort? How can that be measured?

Energy effiency retrofit: external insulation or new doors and windows?

Via Goti - Emu Architetti  Nov 9, 2010 12-003

The future of the construction industry in Italy is in the energy efficiency improvement of our existing building stock.

We are often asked whether you should invest in external insulation or in new windows for the highest return of investment, as far as comfort and energy savings. The short answer is neither or both. Allow us to explain…

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