The air in my house feels dry and gross

[IPA4Me]

@benja...


If the humidifier is cranking, then there's likely other issues with the home - infiltration.


http://www.energyvanguard.com/blog-building-science-HERS-BPI/bid/57151/A-Humidifier-Is-a-Bandaid-The-Problem-Is-Infiltration


You'll need to tighten the structure.


http://www.buildingperformancegroup.com/learn/the-importance-of-air-sealing

[Benja]

@benja...


If the humidifier is cranking, then there's likely other issues with the home - infiltration.


http://www.energyvanguard.com/blog-building-science-HERS-BPI/bid/57151/A-Humidifier-Is-a-Bandaid-The-Problem-Is-Infiltration


You'll need to tighten the structure.


http://www.buildingperformancegroup.com/learn/the-importance-of-air-sealing

ugh...

[Benja]

thanks tho ipa

[steve dave]

just checked on my phone and mine is currently 33%. turned it down a bit the other day because of some condensation on my windows.

oh, that's nice. brag about 33% when i'm living in the iraqi desert over here.

also how do you check humidity on your phone.

nest thermostat app. I can also adjust the heat or ac from wherever. like I'm out of town and I want it like 75 degrees when I get to the house I can just crank that crap up when I land.

[IPA4Me]

You can DIY the air sealing. Holler if you want some references.

[puniraptor]

my house is not sealed at all and this cold snap has me kind of mad about it. i will review the above link

[puniraptor]

is there any way to add insulation to an already built wall? like a cajun insulation injector?

[Mikeyis4dcats]

is there any way to add insulation to an already built wall? like a cajun insulation injector?

if there is no insulation, it is easier, you can blow in loose fiber or inject foam.   if there is insulation, but it's poorly installed or thin, it is a little trickier, but still doable.

[Mikeyis4dcats]

also, if you have a heat pump be aware that some whole house humidifiers won't work well because the supply air isn't warm enough.

[puniraptor]

is there any way to add insulation to an already built wall? like a cajun insulation injector?

if there is no insulation, it is easier, you can blow in loose fiber or inject foam.   if there is insulation, but it's poorly installed or thin, it is a little trickier, but still doable.

its fully stuffed in there but it lookes like shredded up cardboard bullshit

[Mikeyis4dcats]

is there any way to add insulation to an already built wall? like a cajun insulation injector?

if there is no insulation, it is easier, you can blow in loose fiber or inject foam.   if there is insulation, but it's poorly installed or thin, it is a little trickier, but still doable.

its fully stuffed in there but it lookes like shredded up cardboard bullshit

then you're screwed.

[BIG APPLE CAT]

is there any way to add insulation to an already built wall? like a cajun insulation injector?

if there is no insulation, it is easier, you can blow in loose fiber or inject foam.   if there is insulation, but it's poorly installed or thin, it is a little trickier, but still doable.

its fully stuffed in there but it lookes like shredded up cardboard bullshit

A life hack I've heard is people applying bubble wrap to their windows. It makes sense. An air gap is the best form of insulation.
Also FWIW unless your walls are literally made of dog turds then the windows are the only area where you will move the needle. ASHRAE published a study earlier this year where they found you can basically insulate the crap out of your walls and roof but the R value barely changes. Windows are where it's at.

[Tobias]

if by life hack you mean crack den hack then i agree

[IPA4Me]

The bubble wrap trick is good on old inefficient windows. Stopping air movement from outside to inside is key. Top plate in attic, window and door trim, and basement/crawl space rim joist are biggest losses in modern home. Other easy spots are electrical, plumbing and hvac openings in exterior walls.

Home Energy Audit - Part 3 - Infrared Camera Insp…:

[puniraptor]

maybe bubble wrap all my windows and walls then

also my fireplace  has the flue closed and the outdoor air vent closed and it still is pretty drafty. bubble wrap this bitch too?

[puniraptor]

The bubble wrap trick is good on old inefficient windows. Stopping air movement from outside to inside is key. Top plate in attic, window and door trim, and basement/crawl space rim joist are biggest losses in modern home. Other easy spots are electrical, plumbing and hvac openings in exterior walls.

Home Energy Audit - Part 3 - Infrared Camera Insp…:

can i get an infrared cam and knock this out myself? i think home depot rents them. I know who's pocket you're big in, so I will ignore you if you say no.

[IPA4Me]

Lol. Infrared and a blower door. Probably not a Home Depot rental.

Energy audit is usually in the $300 ball park. It includes blower door test, infra-red inspection and report with photos.

[puniraptor]

Lol. Infrared and a blower door. Probably not a Home Depot rental.

Energy audit is usually in the $300 ball park. It includes blower door test, infra-red inspection and report with photos.

would you take $250?

[IPA4Me]

Sure but I don't have those tools.

[Mikeyis4dcats]

is there any way to add insulation to an already built wall? like a cajun insulation injector?

if there is no insulation, it is easier, you can blow in loose fiber or inject foam.   if there is insulation, but it's poorly installed or thin, it is a little trickier, but still doable.

its fully stuffed in there but it lookes like shredded up cardboard bullshit

A life hack I've heard is people applying bubble wrap to their windows. It makes sense. An air gap is the best form of insulation.
Also FWIW unless your walls are literally made of dog turds then the windows are the only area where you will move the needle. ASHRAE published a study earlier this year where they found you can basically insulate the crap out of your walls and roof but the R value barely changes. Windows are where it's at.

just do heat shrink film then, at least it's clear, and will give a large air cavity than a sheet of bubble wrap.

[Mikeyis4dcats]

maybe bubble wrap all my windows and walls then

also my fireplace  has the flue closed and the outdoor air vent closed and it still is pretty drafty. bubble wrap this bitch too?

you can get inflatable balls to seal flues.

[Benja]

26% today!

[Benja]

Also i'm not putting a beach ball in my flue or whatever

[steve dave]

35% at this exact moment

[Benja]

35% sounds so fun