Green Building Product Discussions

Energy Efficient Steel Windows and Doors - Arcadia Custom

by Rate It Green Team

  Arcadia Custom Windows and Doors has met the challenge to prevent energy loss and to meet or even exceed energy codes with steel doors and windows. In this video, Matt Hoots talks with Morgan from Arcadia Custom Windows and Do… more...

  Filed under: Doors, Windows and Openings

What is the Compressive Strength of ROCKWOOL Insulation?

Insulation,ROCKWOOL,Stone Wool Insulation,Mineral Wool Insulation

by Rate It Green Team

  No, you shouldn’t drive over ROCKWOOL or any other insulation, but apparently people have done it….    In this video, Matt Hoots of Sawhorse, Inc. and Chris Laumer-Giddens of LG Squa… more...

  Filed under: Mineral Wool Insulation

Mitsubishi's Ceiling-Mounted, Mini Split, for New Construction and Renovations

Energy Efficiency,HVAC,Heating,Cooling,Mitsubishi,Mini Splits,Ductless Mini Splits

by Rate It Green Team

As David Hazel of Mistubishi shared with Green Builder Matt Hoots at the International Builders Show, mini splits heat, cool, and filter effectively, so customer satisfaction with performance has not been a challenge.  But there … more...

  Filed under: Heat Pumps

A Look at How ERVs Work with Panasonic, How 80% Efficiency Might Work in Practice

Ventilation,Panasonic,ERVs,Energy Recovery Ventilators

by Rate It Green Team

In this video, Matt Hoots interviews Ken Nelson with Panasonic at the International Builders/Kitchen and Bath Show.  Ken explains how ERVs work using a core exchanger, or enthalpic core (or what some of us call the &ldquo… more...

  Filed under: Fans

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