Wood that is used for the wall cavity is described as a ‘hygroscopic’ material.  Which statement(s) best describe(s) the meaning of this term as well as the resulting performance characteristics?

Building in close proximity to water (wetlands, rivers, lakes, and coastal areas) has some considerable attractions and considerable problems. Comment on: 1) What draws people to the these areas to build (at least three things) and 2) What negative affect there can be for these buildings and for the environment (at least three things).

Advantages of a sealed combustion furnace in a house were presented in the book and in lecture. Two of these are 1) better efficiency, and 2) much less chance of back-drafting. Explain how the sealed combustion furnace provides these advantages. (5 points) What were the old (atmospherically-vented) energy efficiency percentages and what are the new energy efficiency percentages of sealed combustion furnaces. (2 points) Explain how back-drafting works and give 3 examples of what can cause it to happen. (5 points)

Explain how a ceiling radiant heater is able to keep you comfortable, even if the air temperature is 10˚ or even 20 degrees colder than you would consider comfortable. Use an example. 

In both lecture and in the Sustainable Housing book, insulating and moisture control of the foundation (basement walls) of a house was discussed. Where and how should the foundation be insulated and why? Include how and why moisture should be controlled. 

Name and describe the three types of ventilation in a house.

Why is water drainage around a foundation wall of such importance? Name at least three things that can be done to make sure that water stays away from the foundation?

What does the term transmission heat loss (or heat transfer) describe? Name and describe the three modes of how heat moves. give an example of each. 

In Rome’s introduction, he discussed the role of Federal Agencies and environmental problems. What contradictory positions arose from both agencies and the federal position on the environment in regard to suburb expansion?

In “The Fall of the House of Usher,” what effect does the house have on the narrator?