Energy Source Builder
The Energy Source Builder newsletter -- published from 1989 to 1997 -- is filled with nuts-and-bolts information on building energy-efficient homes. It includes design ideas, construction details and product information. Here are articles from some past issues. The information was accurate at the time of publication. However, keep in mind that some information changes with time. An easy way to find articles in the ESB archives is to use the Oikos Search feature.
Issue #54 December 1997
- Choosing Green Power
- To Save Trees, Cut Wood
- Line-voltage Thermostat Study
- Residential Construction Waste Guide
- Grundfos Efficient Hydronic Zone Valve
- Durisol Recycled Content Insulating Concrete Form
- Aspen Recessed Light Retrofit
- Composite Technologies' Concrete-Insulation Sandwich Wall
- Solar Sizer Photovoltaic Design Software
Issue #53 October 1997
- ENERGY STAR® Sells Benefits Not Features
- Hydronic Cooling
- Range Hoods Affect Indoor Air Quality
- Ceiling Fans May Increase Cooling Energy Use
- Study Says Polyiso Sheathing Cost-effective
- Heat Pump for Hydronic
- Self-sealing Duct
- Manual-on Occupancy Sensor
Issue #52 August 1997
- Design Group Plans for Affordable Efficiency
- Small, Efficient and Beautiful
- Sealing Cantilever Floors
- One Stop Information Center for Energy-Efficient Mortgages
- Two-Stage Evaporative Cooler
- Fan/Light/Heat Combo
- New Forced-Air Zoning System
- Environmentally Friendly Glue
- Revolutionary Clothes Washers
Issue #51 June 1997
- Finding the No Extra Cost Energy-Efficient Home
- Which Passive Cooling Strategy Is Right for You?
- Sealing Side Attics
- Remodel Right
- Solar Electric Roofing
- Stone-Lined Water Heater
- Compact Fluorescent Lighting Report
- CFL Downlight
- Quiet, Efficient Fan/Light
- Strawboard for Furniture and Cabinet Makers
Issue #50 April 1997
- Earth Smart Urban Living
- Lighting Patterns Prove to be Efficient, Affordable and Popular
- The Cost of Exhaust-Only Ventilation
- Manual J Exaggerates Cooling Load
- Setback Thermostat without Programming
- Precast, Preinsulated Concrete Wall System
Pressure Relief Grille
Issue #49 February 1997
- Island Development Dedicated to Environmental Preservation
- Marketing the Energy-Efficient Home
- Trial By Fire
- Lighting: More Is Not Always Better
- GFX Device Recovers Waste Energy From Drain Water
- Passive Solar Design and Energy-10 Software
- Recycled Shake
- Wood-Polymer Lumber
- Agriboard Insulated Straw Panels
- Lumatech Compact Fluorescent Replacements
Issue #48 December 1996
- Habitat for Humanity Sees Affordability in Energy-Efficient Homes
- Electric Radiant Heat: Making the Right Choice
- Foundation Vision Strip is an Energy Loser
- Sizing Air Conditioners
- Efficient, Clean-Burning Fireplaces
- A New Water-Blown Polyurethane Foam
- Retrofit Foam System
- Multi-Load Hydronics
- Hydronic Design Software
- Variable-Flow Grille for Central Ventilation Systems
- Hot Water on Demand
- Light Pipe Skylights
Issue #47 October 1996
- A Simple Test Can Spot Carbon Monoxide Danger
- Air Sealing on the Outside
- CFL Sales Hit Record
- REDI: Database of Green Products
- Whole Wall R-value Rating
- The Little House
- Improved Fanfold Insulation
- Non-CFC Air Conditioner
- Fog-free Mirror
- Efficient Front Loader
Issue #46 August 1996
- Southface Carries the Torch in Atlanta
- Construction Site Waste: A New Profit Center?
- Reduce Basement Air Leaks By Sealing Attic Bypasses
- Innovative Foundation
- New Steel Stud Design
- HVAC: What Homeowners Want
- Efficient Under-Cabinet Lighting
- CFL With a New Twist
- Bash-Proof Foam Board
- Solid-State Plumbing Control
Issue #45 June 1996
States Promote Home Energy Rating Systems
Radiant Floors Demand Careful Planning
Underfloor Installation Offers Retrofit Solution
Sources of Air Leakage
Foundation Innovation
Truth-in-insulating
Pink Wrap
Another Basement Wall Insulation
X-10 Thermostat
Compact Fluorescent Table Lamp
Foam Inserts for Concrete Blocks
Folding Concrete Forms
Airtight Recessed Light for Cathedral Ceilings
Issue #44 April 1996
Canadian Home Tests Efficiency
Spray Foam Producers Solve Ozone Problem
Energy Star Certifies HVAC Products
Lessons From the Retrofit Front
Forced-Air systems Need Pressure Relief
Roxul Acoustical Batt Insulation
Bild R ConstructionTape
FHP Thermal Saver 2000
Issue #43 February 1996
Radiant Floors Create More Comfort, Use Less Energy
Shallow, Insulated Foundations Lower Construction Costs
Home Energy Ratings Systems Get a Boost
Kraft-Faced Batts: Not In the Shower
NFRC Simplifies Window Ratings
Rockwool Foundation Insulation
Two More Non-Itch Batts
Programmable Control for HRVs
Bug-Resistant Foam
Issue #42 December 1995
Turn to Solar for Lower Heating Costs
Duct Doctors Write Prescription for Efficiency
Alliance Issues State Energy Code Report Card
Residential Water Use
Celotex Drops Blackore
GFX Gray Water Heat Recovery System
R-Control Diamond Snap-Forms
ISO-VENT Vented Roof Insulation
HTI, Inc. Foam and Steel Panel
Plumb Seal Pipe Gasket
Robertshaw Carbon Monoxide Detector
Issue #41 October 1995
Autoclaved Cellular Blocks Cut Labor Costs and Save Energy
Study Shows Exhaust Air Heat Pumps Reliable and Efficient
EPACT Promotes Energy-Efficient Lighting Substitutes
Sealing Soffits
ComfortTherm Wrapped Fiberglass Insulation
Hurd's New Low-e Windows
vanEE's new Supercompact HRVs
Lighting Info on the World Wide Web
Issue #40 August 1995
Environmentally Responsible House Requires Thoughtful Choices
Kitchens Bustle with Efficient Lighting Opportunities
Electric Fireplaces: The Evolution of Fire Takes Another Step
Study Finds Wood Burners Prone to Spillage
AAB Insulated Concrete Forms
More Durable Amofoam
Low-voltage Lamp Adapter
Maxtop HRV Fits in Tight Spots
Poly-Forms Insulated Concrete Forms
More Innovative Ventilation Products from Tamarack
Issue #39 June 1995
2D Lamp Puts A New Twist on Compact Fluorescent Possibilities
Builders Find Niche with Insulated Concrete Forms
High-Tech CO Detection from Telaire
Humitrak Ventilation Controllers
HydroDelta's Dual Compressor Ground Source Heat Pump
Miraflex Insulation
Wall Sheathing Seam Tape
Controlled Ventilation Options for Builders
Issue #38 April 1995
Solar Water Heaters Also Shine in Northern Climates
Foam Sheathing Essential for Steel-framed Walls
Collector Breathes Life into Active Solar Heating
Filling a Floor with Batt Insulation
Santa Fe Complete IAQ System
Environs Combines Air and Ground Source Heat Pumps
Fantech's Quiet Range Hood
Issue #37 February 1995
Software Helps Architects Scheme on Energy
Build Tight, Ventilate Right
Research Supports Benefits of Radiant Ceiling Panels
Super Wall Panels Combine Foam Insulation and Steel Frame
News for Green Builders
NFRC Certifies Heat Loss Ratings for Entry Doors
Sola-Tube
Hebel Aerated Concrete Block
Issue #36 December 1994
Compact Building Form Cuts Heat Loss
ASHRAE Sets Thermal Correction Factors for Metal Framing
Innovative Design Eliminates Cooling Equipment
Engineered Wall Displays Strength and High R-value
Induction Lamps Challenge Compact Fluorescents
Nutech Ventilation Controls
Quad-Lock Insulating Concrete Forms
R-Wrap Housewrap
Issue #35 October 1994
Panel House Demonstrates Building Innovations
Choose Your Glazing by the Numbers
How Windows Affect Heating and Cooling Costs
Smart Lights
Ozone-friendly Air Conditioners from Carrier
Fantech Heat Recover Ventilator
Lite-Form Folding Insulated Concrete Forms
Issue #34 August 1994
Natural Habitat: The Earthwise House
Oregon Study Estimates Costs of Energy Code
What's In a Wall
Shading: The First Step Toward Natural Cooling
Greenblock Insulating Concrete Form
Fan America's Quiet Fan
Raft-R-Mate Attic Vent Baffle
HydroDelta's GSHP with Year-round Water Heating
Celotex's Insulated Shingle Deck
Thermax HRV's
Issue #33 June 1994
- More House for the Money: Energy-Efficient Mortgages
- Installing Insulated Concrete Forms
- Insulation Values Uncovered
- Efficiency Comes to the Laundry
- Looking for Ways to Deal with Radon?
- More Drywall Backers
- Home Energy Automation System
- Foam Panel with Plastic Studs
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Issue #32 April 1994
- Insulated Forms Make Warmer Concrete Walls
- Carbon Monoxide Detectors Save Lives
- Carbon Monoxide Detectors
- Lighting Patterns Promote Efficiency
- Fresh Air Plus Filter
- Nails for Foam Boards
- Occupancy Sensing Thermostat
- Ventilation Chutes
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Issue #31 February 1994
- Sustainable Home is HERE Today
- Refrigerator Efficiency Improves
- Sealing Chimneys
- Air Filters Clear the Air
Three-in-One Heat Pump -
Issue #30 December 1993
- Steel Framing Offers Thermal Challenges
- Green Seal Sets Standards for Compact Fluorescents
- Air Sealing Stairs the Easy Way
- Research Exposes Attic Ventilation Myth
- New Series of Whole House Ventilators
- Cellulose Insulation System
-
Issue #29 October 1993
- Fluorescents Get Skinny on Energy Diet
- Seal the Bathtub Drain
- Installation Methods Reduce Fan Noise
- Drywall Backers
- Non-toxic Insulation
- Flexible Batt
- Fresh Air Kit
- Latex Vapor Retarder Paint
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Issue #28 August 1993
Issue #27 June 1993
- Simplicity Slashes Cost
- Balloon Framing Key to this Advanced Energy Package
- Fireplaces are Fit for a Castle, Not for a House
