Turning a barn into an energy-smart home
A century-old barn gets the ultimate makeover - with lots of energy-smart technology.
A Trombe (TROM-bee) wall is a passive solar device consisting of a thick sun-facing masonry wall (thermal mass) to absorb the sun's energy, combined with an air space and insulated glass. It was developed in the 1950s by Felix Trombe.
While the sun is shining, optical energy travels through and is trapped beneath the glass and absorbed by the masonry wall. The energy stored in the wall is then released slowly to the interior of the building when the sun is no longer shining. Using the sun's stored energy to heat your home reduces your conventional energy consumption.
During the summertime when heating energy isn't needed, the sun is higher in the sky and usually a Trombe wall has an overhang on it. The sun hits that overhang and bounces back rather than being collected and dispersed by the masonry wall.
In this video: A homeowner with a trombe wall discusses how it works and helps improve the comfort of her home.
A century-old barn gets the ultimate makeover - with lots of energy-smart technology.
Your roof and attic play the most crucial role in your home's energy efficiency system, reducing your energy costs during the winter and summer.
An energy-smart builder will help you make the right choices for your family and lifestyle.
New, energy-efficient homes need new solutions to circulate and ventilate the air inside the home.
More builders are offering sustainable choices in new home construction. Find out what's available and how it impacts the earth and the bottom line.
This kitchen remodel features a new window, energy-efficient lighting, new appliances and side-wall insulation.
Our four-part series explores how to handle comfort issues in a new home.
Modular homes are built in a factory under controlled conditions, then shipped to the homesite and placed on a permanent foundation.