Comments for AE Building Systems

Comment on From a Kansas Farm to the Forefront of Building Performance by New Energy Builders of Colorado, LLC - Dan Newell

New Energy Builders of Colorado, LLC - Dan Newell — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 16:30:58 +0000

I am happy to see that a small family business is moving forward to making a quality product that helps with energy savings and still gives the architectural aesthetics in a home. I would be interested in looking at you product as a builder. We try to do a similar business plan as well. Our building company (New Energy Builders of Colorado, LLC) builds fire, tornado, etc.. resistant homes. We use materials that help conserve energy up to 70 to 80 percent. With out compromising the architectural feel of the home we try establishing a solid structural base that weathers the environmental impact on the exterior shell of the home. It’s good to see smaller towns establish business like yours as well.

Comment on 7 Value Engineering Tips for Window and Door Design by Todd Collins

Todd Collins — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 20:48:51 +0000

In reply to Chris Pederson. Fair noting that some aluminum profiles out there aren't all that strong. Fiber reinforced PVC and Fiberglass are both quite strong.

Comment on 7 Value Engineering Tips for Window and Door Design by Todd Collins

Todd Collins — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 20:46:49 +0000

In reply to Specialized Window and Door Dutchess County. If you'll never open it make it fixed. For example, many people put operable windows in a garage and never open them. Additional - Performance is better with fixed and casement more than hungs and sliders.

Comment on 7 Value Engineering Tips for Window and Door Design by Specialized Window and Door Dutchess County

Specialized Window and Door Dutchess County — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 14:13:54 +0000

Your value engineering tips for window and door design offer practical ideas for improving performance without unnecessary cost. The balance between efficiency and quality feels rooted in real project scenarios. What tip do you think delivers the most impact for design value early in a project?

Comment on Cold Air on a Calm Day: The Convection Current Problem Nobody Talks About by John Avenson

John Avenson — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 15:34:10 +0000

Great article. You could add in one more step towards excellent building-science and a warm basement by stating : After achieving a super tight house with excellent low u value windows and big insulation including the concrete foundation, a destratifing fan from ceiling to the basement floor with a constant low flow of air can actually reverse the old fashion cold basement /warm upstairs physics by sending the hot upper air to the basement floor and use the stairs as a conduit to return that air up to the upstairs.
My emperical evidence shows my basement staying as warm as the upstairs however if my housemate closes the basement door to the staircase ( because they are unaware of the airflow needed) the basement gets noticeably colder after a several hours than the upstairs temperature.
– This destratifing fan was originally designed into my 1981 house designed by SERI (NREL). For retrofitting another house I recommend drilling a couple big one-foot diameter holes in the upper floors (hidden as much as possible) and running a large cavity to the basement floor outfitted with a. 10” or 12 ” Acinfinity high efficiency fan set to medium speed which uses about 78 watts. You can have a comfortable basement.

Comment on Thin is In: The Manufacturing Line That’s Changing Windows Today by Todd Collins

Todd Collins — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 14:41:37 +0000

In reply to Kevin M Murray. That is correct.

Comment on Thin is In: The Manufacturing Line That’s Changing Windows Today by Kevin M Murray

Kevin M Murray — Sun, 16 Nov 2025 21:10:51 +0000

So, the unit isn’t any smaller, just the glass thickness?

Comment on Thin is In: The Manufacturing Line That’s Changing Windows Today by Todd Collins

Todd Collins — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 14:54:44 +0000

In reply to Martin.

Ozempic – nice … thanks for your comment Martin. Hope you are well.

Comment on Thin is In: The Manufacturing Line That’s Changing Windows Today by Martin

Martin — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 14:40:15 +0000

Ozempic for window glass – about time! Bringing the weight down is helpful for ease of installation with triple or quad pane windows but more importantly automated cutting machines (from Germany) should bring precision up and the price down. Still plenty of human labor involved.

Comment on Going All-In on Electric: Insights to Consider to Cut the Gas Line by Todd Collins

Todd Collins — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 20:05:13 +0000

In reply to CRW. We are not aware of whether they do or do not.

Comment on Going All-In on Electric: Insights to Consider to Cut the Gas Line by CRW

CRW — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 19:59:50 +0000

Do mineral rights come into play when wanting to remove gas lines from your property?

Comment on Goodbye Gas Line: How the Collins-Ruddy Residence Reduced Their Reliance on Natural Gas by Paul M. Kriescher

Paul M. Kriescher — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 17:35:37 +0000

Todd and the team AE Building System,
This is a great case-study summary on the benefits of ASHP water heaters and strategic thinking about both the location and operation of a new ASHP water heater! Keep up the good work!

Comment on Passion for Sustainability at the Poindexter House by Paul M. Kriescher

Paul M. Kriescher — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 16:00:49 +0000

Looks like a great project with awesome people! This could be a cool project to showcase in a future Heart of a Building episode 🙂

Comment on Optimizing Your Window Selection by Todd Collins

Todd Collins — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 18:22:04 +0000

In reply to Carl Rosenberg. I replied to you via email Carl

Comment on Optimizing Your Window Selection by Carl Rosenberg

Carl Rosenberg — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 16:24:46 +0000

Hi Todd, great article! Guess what, I am in Faribanks again, finally finishing up in moving out of my wife’s mother’s property and going through the associated ‘stuff’ we have here. Nice article. FYI, I have found home for about 75% of that Intus glass. I decided to cut one down and make it a 45×50 rather than the 51×50 it was, cause I needed that exact size (because I did not lay things out quite right in my addition on our house in Taos). Wow was that an experience. Yowsah. It is HARD to make windows. Duh! I ended up getting super spacer material, it is awesome. I have been trying to make other custom size windows and will continue this lunacy project cause I have so much glass still.
On another note, have you done a post on exterior shade options? Seems you had a photo oe exterior venetian blinds. I have a number of friends who have been researching exterior insulated options and we have done a bunch of research and can share what we have found.
Also what is the cool cork bark looking like siding?
And lastly I am putting together an article on the exterior storm retro I did on my mother in laws house here and I will get it to you to consider. And might you be interested in occasionally having dyi energy retrofit success stories? Our friends who purchase my wife’s mothers house here slashed their energy use from 1000 gal of fuel oil to 200! We need these examples for people to see what is possible and doable.
thanks for all you do!

Comment on Going All-In on Electric: Insights to Consider to Cut the Gas Line by Todd Collins

Todd Collins — Fri, 02 Aug 2024 14:35:58 +0000

In reply to Wayne Beals. Thanks for posting

Comment on Going All-In on Electric: Insights to Consider to Cut the Gas Line by Todd Collins

Todd Collins — Fri, 02 Aug 2024 14:35:41 +0000

In reply to Tyler Whaley. Thanks for adding that.

Comment on Options for Large Windows in High Wind Load Areas by Williams

Williams — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 00:08:42 +0000

These are great tips since I’m moving upstate. I recently found a home center that sells the brand that I need, but this is a good reference as well. Thanks!

Comment on Going All-In on Electric: Insights to Consider to Cut the Gas Line by Tyler Whaley

Tyler Whaley — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 19:31:13 +0000

Hi Todd, I spoke with Xcel last week and they informed me they cannot charge you to remove the infrastructure per SB23-291! Check out “40-3.2-104.5. Customer disconnection from investor-owned gas
utility service – rules.”

I haven’t tried yet, but we will have some projects coming up that will test this information.

Cheers!
Tyler

Comment on Going All-In on Electric: Insights to Consider to Cut the Gas Line by Wayne Beals

Wayne Beals — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 13:40:59 +0000

Nice post. I paid $1600 for my utility Nicor to eliminate the line. In our project, it was poorly located at the end of our driveway, which made eliminating it a more logical choice. That said, I was surprised at how much the cost was and they did graffiti my exposed aggregate driveway with a “NO GAS” warning after they finished…

Comment on Sustainability Blooms at the Rose Residence by Todd Collins

Todd Collins — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 15:12:46 +0000

In reply to Paul M Kriescher.

The walls have mineral wool batts and I don’t know about the attic/under roof-deck… I believe blown fiberglass. The older portion of the house is spray foam… done before they purchased the property.

Comment on Sustainability Blooms at the Rose Residence by Paul M Kriescher

Paul M Kriescher — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 15:05:06 +0000

Cool project! Thanks for sharing!

I like the short video showing the rockwool exterior insulation, flashing and drainage plane.

Do you know what type of insulation they are putting in the wall cavities and the attic or underside of the roof deck?

Comment on Goodbye Gas Line: How the Collins-Ruddy Residence Reduced Their Reliance on Natural Gas by John E Avenson

John E Avenson — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 17:24:18 +0000

Nice public education and great passion Todd. Thanks

Comment on Goodbye Gas Line: How the Collins-Ruddy Residence Reduced Their Reliance on Natural Gas by Hans Joachim Preiss

Hans Joachim Preiss — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 16:48:30 +0000

Right on, Todd! Congratulations on this final step.

We have had our gas meter removed in August 2021 and have not missed it one day. The cold climate heatpump from ARCTIC and heatpump water heater from RHEEM have been performing flawlessly.

If only it wasn’t so expensive to shut off the gas line in the street. Still having the live gas line come up right next to the house worries me a bit in case there is a leak.

If us industry professionals are not showcasing that it’s possible, how will anybody ever believe us that it is not rocket science or a major inconvenience.

Comment on The Same, Yet Different: The Key Differences in Window & Door Design from Europe to the United States by Amanda Poindexter

Amanda Poindexter — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 01:40:25 +0000

Great article! One item to note is that the window coverings in Europe are on the exterior with the means of moving the exterior shade being located on the interior. This exterior covering is more of a black-out shade that also helps to protect the window from weather / UV. For light filtering, they typically use a type of window drape on the interior.

Comment on Options for Large Windows in High Wind Load Areas by Todd Collins

Todd Collins — Sat, 14 Oct 2023 00:21:52 +0000

In reply to Paul Grahovac. I think that might be a rhetorical question??? Please let me know... I am happy to respond if you have additional information you might share.

Comment on Options for Large Windows in High Wind Load Areas by Paul Grahovac

Paul Grahovac — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 17:16:33 +0000

Do the installation methods need to improve?

Comment on Upcoming Events for the Sustainable Building Industry by Peter Ewers

Peter Ewers — Sat, 15 Jul 2023 13:10:35 +0000

Thanks Todd! Great information, as always. But you missed one… the ASES Solar 2023 conference is in Boulder this year. I have the honor of being one of the speakers…
https://ases.org/conference/registration/?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ASES&_zs=N1J4m&_zl=VaKd2
Peace,
Peter

Comment on Passive Solar Design vs Passive House Design: Two Distinct Approaches to Energy Efficiency by Todd Collins

Todd Collins — Thu, 11 May 2023 14:27:45 +0000

In reply to keith freimuth. Keith ... we are not aware of heating panel manufacturers.

Comment on Passive Solar Design vs Passive House Design: Two Distinct Approaches to Energy Efficiency by keith freimuth

keith freimuth — Thu, 11 May 2023 01:22:46 +0000

who is manufacturing solr heatig panels today?

Comment on The Same, Yet Different: The Key Differences in Window & Door Design from Europe to the United States by Peter Ewers

Peter Ewers — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 01:58:02 +0000

As always, well done Todd! This is a great introduction to some of the key features of European style windows. And featuring our local company Alpen means you don’t have to go all the way to Europe to get them.

Comment on The Same, Yet Different: The Key Differences in Window & Door Design from Europe to the United States by Martin

Martin — Mon, 16 Jan 2023 04:36:02 +0000

I immigrated from Germany to the Boston area in the 1990s and couldn’t believe that poor double hung window designs from the 19th century (impossible to seal, insecure, very poor insulation) were still everywhere. Now we’re in the 21st century and superior designs like tilt & turn are very slowly making their way into the US housing market. Unless code dictates high standards builders will not specify them, and architects have a hard time convincing their clients on window tech that they are not familiar with.

Comment on Tour Local Passive House Designs by Todd Collins

Todd Collins — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 21:25:48 +0000

In reply to Lali.

The locations are still being nailed down. You will want to keep an eye on the announcements from Emu. You can sign up at.

https://emu.systems/join/

Comment on Tour Local Passive House Designs by Lali

Lali — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 20:38:31 +0000

Are all of the above noted properties open Nov.
11-13?

Are there links to individual websites for each project?

Thanks!

Lali

Comment on Project Highlight: Kirsch-Stroupe Residence near Winter Park by Hans Joachim Preiss | BrightSense LLC

Hans Joachim Preiss | BrightSense LLC — Thu, 08 Sep 2022 20:53:01 +0000

The Manual J heating load of this home is 24,000 BTU/hr, which is particularly impressive because the design temperature is -20 °F. We selected an ARCTIC 050 air-to-water heatpump for space heating and domestic hot water with an expected annual average COP of 3.2. Compared to propane the operating cost is roughly a third. Electric resistance heat is available for backup, mainly during very high domestic hot water demand and during outdoor temperatures below -20 °F.

Comment on Thinking About Air Quality Gets Front & Center by Peter Ewers

Peter Ewers — Thu, 14 Jul 2022 14:42:28 +0000

Great summary of what ERVs are, and why they are important. Thank you AE!

Comment on Debunking the Myth that Insulation is ALWAYS Better Than Glazing for Thermal Performance by Todd Collins

Todd Collins — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 04:58:09 +0000

In reply to Peter Ewers.

Thanks Peter… That means a lot coming from you. As you know, it is a simplification of a much more complex calculation. The goal was just that – keep it simple.

Comment on Debunking the Myth that Insulation is ALWAYS Better Than Glazing for Thermal Performance by Peter Ewers

Peter Ewers — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 00:10:22 +0000

Fantastic math! Thank you Todd for breaking this down into simple and easy to understand language. I’ll send all our clients to this blog before we talk about windows and walls! And the video is a perfect introduction to high performing windows. Thank you!

Comment on Debunking the Myth that Insulation is ALWAYS Better Than Glazing for Thermal Performance by David C. Mathews

David C. Mathews — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 19:24:30 +0000

Interesting presentation. I learned something new today. Thank you!

Comment on Form AND Function Win Out When it Comes to European Windows & Over-Insulating by Todd Collins

Todd Collins — Wed, 13 Apr 2022 19:10:13 +0000

In reply to Olivia Smart. Thank you Olivia... note that there are more and more Euro options made right here in the USA with triple and quad glazing. Also, important to note that the Euro frames are generally more energy-efficient. Let us know how we can help.

Comment on Form AND Function Win Out When it Comes to European Windows & Over-Insulating by Olivia Smart

Olivia Smart — Wed, 13 Apr 2022 18:57:52 +0000

Thank you for explaining that European windows are energy efficient because they’re often triple- or even quad-paned. We are renovating our house, and we’ve been thinking about replacing all of the windows. I really like the idea of something like this, since it seems like it could save us a lot of money on utilities.

Comment on Collins Residence Part II by Todd Collins

Todd Collins — Mon, 14 Mar 2022 12:21:21 +0000

In reply to Greg Fisher.

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!

Comment on Collins Residence Part II by Greg Fisher

Greg Fisher — Sun, 13 Mar 2022 20:36:24 +0000

Todd, Thanks for sharing what you are doing here. This has huge value in making all of our existing building stock better rather than just building new!

Comment on Collins Residence Part II by Todd Collins

Todd Collins — Fri, 11 Mar 2022 13:56:18 +0000

In reply to Francis Stanisz.

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.

Comment on Collins Residence Part II by Todd Collins

Todd Collins — Fri, 11 Mar 2022 13:02:43 +0000

In reply to Hans Joachim Preiss.

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.

Comment on Collins Residence Part II by Francis Stanisz

Francis Stanisz — Fri, 11 Mar 2022 02:40:52 +0000

Good article Todd. I have to comment on a reply from Part I which critiqued the ‘design’ aspects. We’ll we all have budgets and some are greater than others. Modifying the design of a ‘builder’s’ type home can be difficult and costly. We try and make the best choices given the circumstances at any given time. I applaud your efforts.

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

Comment on Collins Residence Part II by Hans Joachim Preiss

Hans Joachim Preiss — Fri, 11 Mar 2022 01:11:53 +0000

Todd, give me a call when you’re ready to rip that gas furnace and water heater out. I installed a hybrid heatpump hot water heater in 2020 and a heatpump in 2021 and I’ve got some insights I’d be happy to share. No longer having a gas meter or gas bill is a huge step toward a healthier and safer home, plus better for the planet. Furthermore, practicing ourselves what we sell to our clients shows that we believe in our products and services.

Comment on Collins Residence Part II by Todd Collins

Todd Collins — Thu, 10 Mar 2022 16:08:17 +0000

In reply to Ellen Dibble. Thanks for your comments Ellen... it is a journey for certain. It takes time and it takes money.

Comment on Collins Residence Part II by Ellen Dibble

Ellen Dibble — Thu, 10 Mar 2022 15:59:13 +0000

I’m glad I’m not the only one working on retrofitting since 2012! Nice article. Very encouraging.

Comment on Collins-Ruddy Residence Part I by Todd Collins

Todd Collins — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 15:19:14 +0000

In reply to John Osgood. It was at the end of the video but we will be posting that also on the next blog as well.