Question: I live in a 60-year-old bungalow which has 2 exhaust fans on the main floor that are exhausted outside. My dryer, which is located in the same room as the furnace and gas-fired hot water tank, is also vented to the outside. Shortly after moving in several years ago I caulked and sealed … [Read more...] about Backventing Furnace
Air Conditioner Controls
Question: Recently, we had a new 92% efficient Lennox furnace and a new Lennox air conditioning unit installed here in Winnipeg . For myself, the furnace not using the chimney is something new but the intake/outlet vents installed, basically at ground level, work very well. There is an odd … [Read more...] about Air Conditioner Controls
Cottage on Ground
Question: We recently purchased a forty-plus year old cottage on a Lake in Ontario. It has evolved from a single cabin to include additions and is now 24 by 30. It sits on large beams that are resting on the ground. Only half the area under the floor has ventilation, as the ground drops to the … [Read more...] about Cottage on Ground
Basement Stud Spacing
Question: Mr. Marantz: I am writing at the request and on behalf of my son. He is in the process of having a new house built and it is now at the stage where the painting is complete and the basement walls will be put up shortly. The contractor has indicated that the studs will be spaced at 24 … [Read more...] about Basement Stud Spacing
Adding Sunroom
Question: We are looking into attaching a three-season sunroom to an eastern exposure on our home. The dimensions are approx. 25' x 14'. We are most likely going with the glass & vinyl sides with a prefab roof, not a traditional shingle roof. This roof will slope away from the facia. Our … [Read more...] about Adding Sunroom
Cleaning Window Well Drains
Question: We own a 22 year old in-filled home with window wells. They are filled with gravel and plastic drainage pipes, hopefully leading to the weeping tiles. Every spring, or during a heavy downpour, our window wells do not drain properly and fill up to the point of water seeping through … [Read more...] about Cleaning Window Well Drains
Calculating Soil Around House
Question: I recently had an Energy Evaluation completed on my 985 square foot, 50 year-old home. Although not part of the evaluation, per se, the contractor did comment that I should bring up the grade around the house to improve drainage and help out with the moisture problem in the … [Read more...] about Calculating Soil Around House
Aluminum Soffits Over Wood
Question: I have an older home with wooden fascia, soffits, and trim. I have been updating my windows and doing other renovations to improve the look and efficiency of my house. Next spring I want to replace my soffits and fascia with aluminum or vinyl. One of my friends, who has some renovation … [Read more...] about Aluminum Soffits Over Wood