Recently in Remodeling for Moisture Solutions Category

Watch for more emphasis on energy efficiency, retrofits and weatherization under the Obama administration.  Obama's weatherization plan is part of a comprehensive energy plan that will create green jobs and rebuild the US infrastructure of roads and bridges, schools, and housing for energy efficiency. Weatherization of schools, homes and offices will reduce oil usage for heating and cooling.  Obama's emphasis on youth jobs and green jobs will contribute to economic recovery.  The Obama weatherization plan will not only reduce energy use, but improve the health and productivity of children and workers who benefit from better indoor air quality, natural light and less toxic emissions from petrochemical energy sources. 

An important tool in the effort to build greener buildings and live greener lives is the selection of products that were made using environmentally friendly processes and are used in environmentally friendly ways.

They are energy or water efficient; they use healthy, non-toxic materials; they are made from recycled or renewable sources; they make current products you use more efficient or more durable; and they are recyclable or biodegradable, among many other things.

The directories below will help you sort through the claims and find the products that best meet your needs.

• ENERGY STAR: Products in more than 50 categories are eligible for the ENERGY STAR. They use less energy, save money, and help protect the environment. ENERGY STAR is a program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.
• Good To Be Green: Good To Be Green is a directory of green building products, sustainable building materials and green building service providers. Products must: be made out of recycled materials; ensure a low environmental impact during the construction, operation and/or demolition of the building; conserve natural resources like energy, wood and water; and improve air quality.
• Green2Green: Green2Green.org features comprehensive information regarding green building products, materials and practices. The site offers side-by-side comparisons of products using a variety of environmental, technical and economic criteria.
• Green Building Pages: Green Building Pages is an online sustainable design and decision-making tool for building industry professionals and environmentally and socially responsible consumers.
• The Green Guide: National Geographic's Green Guide offers staff-written reviews of a host of products, ranging from appliances, home furnishings and home improvement products to personal care and pet supplies.
• GreenSpec Directory: The online GreenSpec® Directory lists product descriptions for over 2,100 environmentally preferable products. Products are chosen to be listed by BuildingGreen editors. They do not charge for listings or sell ads.
• Low Impact Living: Find environmentally friendly products and services in dozens of categories.
• Oikos: Oikos is a World Wide Web site devoted to serving professionals whose work promotes sustainable design and construction.
• PlugGREEN: PlugGREEN.com allows green businesses to create their own business profile, allowing them to network directly with other green businesses and green-minded consumers. In addition, PlugGREEN.com provides an organized and efficient way for consumers to find local green businesses and products in their area.

SOURCE: USGBC

The use of indoor ceiling fans can reduce prices on your energy costs up to 40% in the summer and 10% in the winter, using only as much as energy as a 100 watt light bulb.

During the summer ceiling fans create a "cooling effect" by lowering temperatures as much as 7 degrees. In the winter ceiling fans can recirculate heat and move heated air from the unused "top of the room" ceiling area to the living zone where people need that warmth.

Ceiling Fans can be used not only in the living and working rooms in a home or office but also in kitchens and bathrooms where dampness may be an issue.  Circulation of air is important to dry areas so that mold isn't nurtured.

Outdoor ceiling fans can provide gazebo, patio and veranda comfort, and overhead lighting at the same time.  These low-energy use fans can provide cooling summer breezes to reduce both the temperature of outdoor living space, but the feeling of heat as cool air aids body moisture evaporation, with its natural cooling effect.

Ceiling fans come in many sizes and designs including:  casual, contemporary, eclectic, modern, transitional and simple Southern traditional. 

Ceiling fan light kits and accessories also come with ENERGY STAR® ratings -- so be sure to look for this energy saving benefit!   The ceiling fan market has matured with a wide variety of upgrades in design and efficiency -- including remote control units  instead of pullcords!  Ceiling fans can be coordinated with downrods, light kits, ceiling fan remotes, mounting hardware, and a variety of accessories.

Remote control ceiling fans can be helpful for people with limited mobility or for high ceilings such as stairwells.  Many remote controls can be used with multiple ceiling fan installations, and they can be used to control the sound level during conversation, the speed and direction of the blades to manage the flow of air in the room or building. 

Ceiling fans can be used in place of air conditioning -- and save  significant  amounts of electricity and  greenhouse gas emissions, as a result.  Stay cool -- and cool the earth!

Moisture condensation occurs in both winter and summer. The following factors increase the probability of condensation:

• Homes that are ineffectively insulated and are not sealed against air infiltration in cold climates can result in major moisture problems.
• Cool interior surfaces such as pipes, windows, tile floors, and metal appliances; air conditioner coils with poor outside drainage; masonry or concrete surfaces; toilet tanks; and, in the winter, outside walls and ceilings can result in moisture buildup from condensation. If the temperature of an interior surface is low enough to reach the dew point, moisture in the air will condense on it and enhance the growth of mold.
• Dehumidifiers used in regions where outside humidity levels are normally 80% or higher have a moisture-collecting tank that should be cleaned and disinfected regularly to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria. It is best if dehumidifiers have a drain line continuously discharging directly to the outside or into a properly plumbed trap. This is also true in climates where air conditioning units are used on a full-time or seasonal basis. Their cooling pans provide an excellent environment for the growth of allergenic or pathogenic organisms.
• Moisture removed from clothing by clothes driers ends up in the dryer vent if it is clogged by lint or improperly configured. Moisture buildup in this vent can result in mold growth and, if leakage occurs, damage to the structure of the home. The vent over the cooking area of the kitchen also should be checked routinely for moisture or grease buildup.

Roof
The control of moisture in a home is of paramount importance. It is no surprise that moisture control begins with the design and integrity of the roof. As in nearly all construction materials, tradeoffs must be made in terms of cost, thermal efficiency, and longevity. However, all roofs have two things in common: the need to shed moisture and protect the interior from the environment.

Insulation
A house must be able to breathe; therefore, air must not be trapped inside, but must be allowed to exit the home with its moisture. Moisture buildup in the home will lead to both mold and bacteria growth.

Siding
Good siding should be attractive, durable, insect- and vermin-resistant, waterproof, and capable of holding a weather-resistant coating. Fire-resistant siding and roofing are important in many areas where wildfires are common and are required by many local building codes.  Wall surfacing can include choices as diverse as fiber cement, bricks, stucco, vinyl, asbestos (beware of contamination), and metal.

RESOURCE: Center for Disease Control provides an online book with many building guidelines to prevent health problems.