Author: Fernando Pages Ruiz

choosing the right insulation
Building Knowledge
Fernando Pages Ruiz

Choosing the Right Insulation for Every Part of Your Home

Choosing the Right Insulation for Every Part of Your Home Choosing the right insulation depends on location in the home, climate, and budget. Insulation is only effective when installed correctly. Even inexpensive fiberglass batts can perform as well as premium

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Air Sealing
Building Knowledge
Fernando Pages Ruiz

Air Sealing for Energy Efficiency Improvement and Comfort

The Secret to Energy Efficiency Air sealing is one of the most cost-effective ways to make a home more energy efficient. While insulation levels are important, they don’t guarantee performance without a tight shell. In fact, a carefully sealed wall

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magnesium oxide panels
Building Knowledge
Fernando Pages Ruiz

Magnesium Oxide Panels: A Durable Alternative to Drywall

Magnesium Oxide Panels: A Durable Alternative to Drywall For a client with a mold-prone Florida home, paper-faced drywall had become the enemy. After battling a severe mold infestation, he was determined to avoid using gypsum board in two small apartment

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Affordable Battery Backup
Featured Articles
Fernando Pages Ruiz

Affordable Battery Backup on a Builder’s Budget (That Works!)

Resiliency and Affordability—Battery Backup on a Builder’s Budget Integrating solar-ready storage to add resiliency to any home. First published in Green Building Advisor. In Texas, we often lose power during storms. A few years ago, the grid failed statewide, which

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Mini Split Systems
Building Knowledge
Fernando Pages Ruiz

Mini Split Systems: High-Efficiency Comfort Without Duct Losses

Mini split systems provide efficient heating and cooling while eliminating costly ductwork losses. Why Mini Split Systems Are Different Traditional HVAC systems rely on ducts, but ducts are prone to leaks, poor insulation, and energy waste. In some homes, up

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Value-Engineered HVAC Systems
Building Knowledge
Fernando Pages Ruiz

Value-Engineered HVAC: Smarter Duct Design Costs and Efficiency

A value-engineered HVAC system reduces duct costs, right-sizes equipment, and improves energy efficiency for affordable comfort. The Push for Smarter HVAC Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems account for some of the highest energy expenses in a home. With

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