Q: How important is duct sealing?

A: Poorly sealed heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) ducts can be major energy losers. Unsealed ductwork that runs through an unconditioned attic can leak 500 cubic feet of air per minute—more than a ton of heating or cooling capacity. These air leaks occur at the seams where duct sections meet. A conscientious builder or remodeler will make sure that the HVAC contractor has properly sealed these seams.

Remember last week's 10 and 20 below wind chills?!

In Kansas City, we're all accustomed to unexpected and crazy weather changes, and using current knowledge about building science helps us to weather those storms...!

One benefit of a high-quality new custom home is that it will better handle severe weather events and power outages. These are a fact of life in all parts of the country. From Atlantic hurricanes which routinely leave millions without electricity across the southeastern United States, to severe outages on the West Coast caused by atmospheric rivers , fires, or coastal storms. Within the past couple of years, summer monsoons knocked out power for thousands of Phoenix residents, and severe Winter storms similarly affected the northeast and even us here across the KC Metro!

Outages happen even without bad weather, like the blackout in 2003 that affected 11 million people from Ontario to New Jersey, thanks to a software glitch.

Outages affect all homes, no matter how well built, but a new custom home can be crafted to stay comfortable longer without heating or cooling. "It's called passive survivability," says Alex Wilson, president of the Resilient Design Institute in Brattleboro, Vermont. "It's about building homes that remain habitable if they lose power.”

The design and construction principles that Wilson advocates are routinely used by the best professional builders and remodelers. This building science approach includes making walls, roofs and ceilings more efficient with high R-value insulation (something MOJO Built prides itself upon), careful air sealing, and high-performance windows that offer passive solar gain. Such improvements can keep a home habitable without power for days! (Homeowners who want to keep the lights on during a blackout may add solar panels, a backup generator or a home battery. In fact, a 10 kWh battery can run a refrigerator, a furnace or heat pump, and a few basic circuits for up to 12 hours).

A resilient home also has good structural and moisture details. Elements like hardware tie-downs and plywood shear panels make roofs and walls more resistant to damage from high winds. Careful waterproofing keeps wall and roof assemblies dry, even in the fiercest rain, snow or ice storms. In regions subject to windborne debris—from hurricanes or tornadoes, for instance—some homeowners choose impact-resistant windows. They're pricey, but if the budget permits, they reduce the chance of a breach that lets wind and water into the home.

One of the best things about resilient construction is that it pays off even if the home never loses power. Careful waterproofing means lower long-term maintenance bills and less chance of mold and mildew growth. Insulation and air sealing reduce monthly energy costs while ensuring a quieter, more comfortable living experience. As "Certifed Green Builders," MOJO Built makes high energy efficiency a priority in all of our buildjobs.

Our well-informed and educated Craftsmen understand the flashing details required by today's windows and doors—details that can vary by manufacturer. Insulation and air sealing are implemented so that walls and roofs shed moisture rather than trapping it, and the approaches vary depending on the local climate, so we ensure that our crew understands what our climate requests.

Building science has come a long way in recent years, and you want to hire someone who has invested time and effort in keeping current. In other words, you need an educated pro.