Thanks for your comments Greg. Existing stock/buildings are generally pretty terrible when it comes to energy use. While much better, we still have a fair amount of work to do on our house – to make it Net Zero eventually. It does take money and while the payback is fairly long from a “short term” point of view. “Short term” is a relative. We will all eventually pay in the form of other money to fight and deal with the fallout of climate change – not to forget the environmental impacts of what we have been doing. It is just a matter of time. Unfortunately, future generations will pay more than you and I will. Thanks for all you do!

Thanks Fran… I will look forward to picking your brain when we get to that point. There are a few reasons that this project will not be happening for a while including the siding is still in decent shape, our house projects budget is drained from our other projects and we have college educations approaching fast and furious. It will be a few (likely several) years before we embark on that phase… Hope all is well in your world.

Will-do Hans… the current furnace came with the house. It is not super efficient but it works and while it is arguable, it seems it might be better to keep it as long as it is functioning well and not add it to the landfill – trade-offs of attempting to be sustainable.

Having just renovated my house I suggest you pay attention to details if you are considering adding insulation on the outside. Windows and doors, soffits, corners, all of that will be fussy and may not work well. I have found that removing the siding and installing Majvest properly taped and snug makes a huge difference in the indoor comfort level. Once the old siding is off if you can remove a portion of the OSB and remove the old batt insulation and then fill the cavity’s with cellulose might just be the better alternative. The cost benefit/comfort benefit of doing both cavity and filling the stud cavities may not make sense.

Lot’s to think about and again I applaud you for doing this.

Francis Stanisz, AIA, GC
Certified Passive House Contractor

Thanks for your comments Ellen… it is a journey for certain. It takes time and it takes money.