Do These Things First!
In this chapter of the book “This Old House, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning,” the authors are interested in making it clear the first thing that must take place in an installation or reconstruction is the conservative use of insulation and other weatherization techniques.
Essentially, the authors stress the importance of adequate insulation and stopping air flow through leaks. They also go into a lengthy explanation regarding home energy audits and what these can mean to your dollar spend.
Various organizations are mentioned that can impact the evaluation of the home in terms of utilities, fuel, efficient heating and cooling systems, and exactly what kind of inspection a homeowner should have for a variety of situations.
This chapter also contains a section directed toward do-it-yourselfers. Tips are given regarding the benefits and/or disadvantages of caulks, insulation, weatherstripping, and various “plugging” materials. The writers are careful to section off the home and explain how to weatherize that particular area.
Approximately five pages of this chapter are dedicated to the selection of windows for your home. It is estimated that about 25% of the dwellings heat is lost through the windows. The insulation capacity and the placement of windows is discussed.
Insulation and a discussion of “R-values” are discussed in this chapter. Attic, walls, floors, and other areas are discussed in length giving insights and tips for the installation.
In sum, the reader is encouraged to perceive the home as a complete whole with parts of it working in synchronicity and flow. One area impacts another and common sense dictates a perception of the home as a whole dwelling as opposed to isolated entities.
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