Green Building Product Discussions

Filtration and Airflow in Whole House HVAC Systems: Filter Cabinets and MERV Options

HVAC,Ventilation Systems,Ventilation,Filtration,AprilAire,Whole House Ventilation Systems,MERV

by Rate It Green Team

Filters remove dust and other particles, including biological contaminants, from the air.  This basic but important function plays a critical role in maintaining indoor air quality, and yet most of us are just starting to catch up wi… more...

  Filed under: Filtration

Hi-Velocity HVAC System for Modern Designed Homes

Energy Efficiency,HVAC,Ventilation,Heating,Cooling,Air Conditioning,comfort,Hi Velocity

by Matt Hoots SawHorse Design + Build

I worked with a high-velocity HVAC system attached to a ground source heat pump a decade ago.  We had to use this system because the architect did not leave us any room for ductwork, so the four-inch ducts that were part of the hi… more...

  Filed under: Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Learning About Rockwool's Versatility with Matt Hoots at the International Builders Show (Video)

Insulation,ROCKWOOL,Stone Wool,Mineral Wool

by Rate It Green Team

Did you know that Rockwool is actually made out of volcanically derived rock - basalt from the earth’s crust and recycled steel slag?  Join Matt Hoots of Sawhorse Design, Inc. and Dan Edelman of Rockwool to learn mo… more...

  Filed under: Mineral Wool Insulation

Buildings need to dry- not breathe!

by Matt Hoots SawHorse Design + Build

Hopefully, by now, most people understand that "Build tight/ ventilate right" is how most green building programs require you to build.  Less understood is the necessity for buildings to "dry out." In most climat… more...

  Filed under: Rain Screen Products

50% of the "perfect wall" control layers with one product

by Matt Hoots SawHorse Design + Build

The only way to mainstream advanced building science concepts is to make them simple to install.  As we designed and are building the #1920sMakeoverATL, we have to work with readily available materials and keep in mind the skill set of… more...

  Filed under: Air Barriers

Pros and Cons of an airtight house

by Matt Hoots SawHorse Design + Build

A house needs to breathe, right? Yes, they do, but not the way most builders or homeowners think they do.  Many argue for a leaky house to allow the house to breathe.  That is one method to get fresh air. However, it is not th… more...

  Filed under: Filtration

What is a "water resistant barrier" (WRB), examples and misconceptions

by Matt Hoots SawHorse Design + Build

A water-resistant barrier (WRB) is a material used in construction to prevent the intrusion of moisture into the interior of a building. It is an essential component of the building envelope, designed to protect the building from water dama… more...

  Filed under: Weather Barriers

Green Building Myth Busting: It IS Fun to Watch a Pot Boil, on an Induction Cooktop (Video)

Energy Efficiency,High Performance,Indoor Air Quality,IAQ,Induction,Induction Cooking,Induction Stoves,Kitchens,IEQ,Myth Busting

by Rate It Green Team

Have you wanted to see an induction stove at work?  Check out this Green Building Myth Busting video by Green Builder Matt Hoots and Lisa Connor, of Sub-Zero, Wolf Southeast, Inc. This video is like a brief, fun science cla… more...

  Filed under: Appliances

Niagara's One Piece Phantom Toilet - Save on Water Bills and Look Good Doing It

Water Conservation,Toilets,Niagara,One Piece Toilets

by Rate It Green Team

  Niagara’s Phantom One Piece Toilet with Stealth Technology looks great, flushes quietly, and saves on water bills.  We think Green Builder Matt Hoots may have had  too much fun talking toilets with Ma… more...

  Filed under: Toilets

Schneider Electric's Home Energy Management Suite - Controlling Comfort, Resilience, and Energy Efficiency in One App

Energy Management,Home Energy Management,Schneider Electric

by Rate It Green Team

Green Builder Matt Hoots spoke to Will Shippee of Schneider Electric  at the International Builders Show (IBS) and got a look at Schneider Electric's impressive suite of home energy management solutions. System components inc… more...

  Filed under: Energy Management