Energy Focus

Collecting rainwater an easy way to save money, help environment
Q: How does a rainwater catchment system work, and can I install one myself?   A: Installing a rain barrel to collect rainwater for non-potable uses is an easy way to help the environment and s...
6 days ago | 1 1 comments | 6 6 recommendations | email to a friend
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Fairbanks-area homes must be built with radon in mind
FAIRBANKS - With groundbreaking just around the corner, this is a good time to issue a reminder about the presence of radon in the Fairbanks area. Radon is a radioactive soil gas produced by the ...
1 month ago | 0 0 comments | 3 3 recommendations | email to a friend
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Thermostat: A little gadget that can save you big bucks at home
FAIRBANKS - Question: Does setting back my thermostat really save money? ANSWER: Programmable thermostats allow users to change the set temperature at specific times of the day or week. Inste...
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The door to energy efficiency: What should I look for in an exterior door?
FAIRBANKS — Doors have a tough job in Alaska, where inside and outside temperatures can range more than 100 degrees in the winter, causing sticking, jamming, warping and other cold climate phenomen...
2 months ago | 0 0 comments | 1 1 recommendations | email to a friend
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The mobile test lab was outfitted with nine test walls, each with different combinations of wood framing and interior and exterior insulation. The walls displayed varying degrees of moisture damage and mold at the end of the two-year study. / Photo courtesy CCHRC
Keep moisture out of insulation while retrofitting
The “Ask a Builder” series is dedicated to answering some of the many questions Fairbanks residents have about building, energy and the many other parts of home life. Q: What is the safe amount ...
3 months ago | 0 0 comments | 1 1 recommendations | email to a friend
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As Alaska winter trudges on, know how much snow your roof can support
FAIRBANKS - Q: We’ve had more snow than usual in the past month. When should I worry about snow load? A: After a snowy December, Fairbanks has received a respectable (though still below-average) 3...
4 months ago | 2 2 comments | 6 6 recommendations | email to a friend
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A checklist on whether you should consider a new home heating system
FAIRBANKS - Q: Should I consider replacing my heating system? A: If you’re thinking about replacing your heating system, here are some questions to ask yourself. A “yes” to any of them may warr...
5 months ago | 0 0 comments | 1 1 recommendations | email to a friend
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How to find the best system to keep your home warm this winter
Q: Is my heating system the correct size for my house?   A: Just like skiers perform best with the right sized boots, your house performs best with a properly sized heating system. Oversized ...
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Jeffrey Simonson/CCHRC Jeffrey Simonson’s 12-by-12-foot storage shed has metal roofing, which makes for a long-life, strong roof. The vertical stud end walls are covered with plywood and painted.
Bow-roof sheds are free-standing arched frames that are easy, cost efficient
FAIRBANKS - The “Ask a Builder” series is dedicated to answering some of the many questions Fairbanks residents have about building, energy and the many other parts of home life. This week, we’re ...
6 months ago | 1 1 comments | 8 8 recommendations | email to a friend
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Why you need to factor whole wall R-value
The “Ask a Builder” series is dedicated to answering some of the many questions Fairbanks residents have about building, energy and the many other parts of home life. FAIRBANKS - You might thi...
7 months ago | 0 0 comments | 2 2 recommendations | email to a friend
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Alternative insulation options exist
FAIRBANKS — The “Ask a Builder” series is dedicated to answering some of the many questions Fairbanks residents have about building, energy and the many other parts of home life. What are some alt...
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Ask a builder: Is wet foam board still usable?
The “Ask a Builder” series is dedicated to answering some of the many questions Fairbanks residents have about building, energy and the many other parts of home life. Recently, I picked up som...
10 months ago | 0 0 comments | 6 6 recommendations | email to a friend
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Heat ventilators and snow on the roof: How to handle both of them
FAIRBANKS - The “Ask a Builder” series is dedicated to answering some of the many questions Fairbanks residents have about building, energy and the many other parts of home life. Q: I have an HRV ...
16 months ago | 0 0 comments | 12 12 recommendations | email to a friend
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Energy rebate program is still alive in Alaska
FAIRBANKS - The “Ask a Builder” series is dedicated to answering some of the many questions Fairbanks residents have about building, energy and the many other parts of home life. Q: I signed up f...
17 months ago | 0 0 comments | 10 10 recommendations | email to a friend
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Soy insulation an option for Fairbanks builders
FAIRBANKS - The “Ask a Builder” series is dedicated to answering some of the many questions Fairbanks residents have about building, energy and the many other parts of home life. Q: I heard that t...
18 months ago | 0 0 comments | 4 4 recommendations | email to a friend
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That plastic sheeting over the windows? It does help keep your house warm
FAIRBANKS - Q: I am thinking of putting plastic film over my windows for the winter. Is there any value in this? A. Yes, but mostly for windows that are old or are in bad condition. If installed w...
19 months ago | 3 3 comments | 6 6 recommendations | email to a friend
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Ask a Builder: Don’t forget the proper foundation insulation
FAIRBANKS - Q: How do I insulate my foundation and how much is enough? Insulating a foundation is an important step in both retaining heat during the winter and reducing heating costs. Concrete or...
19 months ago | 0 0 comments | 5 5 recommendations | email to a friend
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Ask a builder: Burning wood? Don’t go green
FAIRBANKS - Q: Does it matter what type of wood I burn in my woodstove? Most species of local wood are suitable for burning in a stove but do not burn wood that has been treated or painted. Regard...
20 months ago | 0 0 comments | 5 5 recommendations | email to a friend
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Energy rating program still available for Alaska homeowners
FAIRBANKS — The “Ask a Builder” series is dedicated to answering some of the many questions Fairbanks residents have about building, energy and the many other parts of home life. Q: A lot of peo...
22 months ago | 0 0 comments | 15 15 recommendations | email to a friend
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Ask a Builder: Wash, rinse, dethaw ... repeat?
FAIRBANKS - Q: I am going to dig up my foundation this summer so I can put on outside foam insulation. Do I need to clean off my foundation in any way? How far down should I dig? How long will ...
2 years ago | 0 0 comments | 6 6 recommendations | email to a friend
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