The Myths That Lead to Uncomfortable, Unhealthy, Inefficient Homes and How to Overcome Them
A House Needs to Breathe...Or Does It? lays out the basic science of buildings. When it comes to how houses perform, professionals and homeowners alike believe many things that just aren’t true. This book will explode the myths, misinformation, and just plain old nonsense that pervades the world of home building, remodeling, maintenance, and operation.
Ended
Have you ever lived in a home where you just couldn’t feel warm even though you had the heat cranked way up? How about one where you have to turn up the volume on the TV when the air conditioner or heater comes on? Or a home with a musty smelling basement?
These and more are problems common to many homes. Whether you rent or own your home, you most likely have suffered with problems of comfort, indoor air quality, noise, high energy bills, and more. The primary cause of these problems is that many of the architects, builders, and contractors responsible for delivering the final product don’t take the full occupant experience into consideration.
And they operate largely based on myths about how buildings actually work. Let exhibit A be the title of the book: “A House Needs to Breathe.” This statement is usually shorthand for, “I don’t believe the cost of air-sealing a home is justified by the benefits.” It's wrong, though. Random air leaks through the building enclosure can lead to moisture problems, indoor air quality problems, and wasted heating and cooling.
This book will explode the myths, misinformation, and just plain old nonsense that pervades the world of home building, remodeling, maintenance, and operation. You’ll get building science principles in plain English so you can understand why those things you’ve been told are wrong and what are the proper ways to make homes comfortable, healthy, and energy efficient.
“A House Needs to Breathe…Or Does It?” is targeted at those on the front end of the building science learning curve. Whether you’re a homebuilder, remodeler, trade contractor, architect, real estate agents, home inspector, or homeowner, you’ll benefit from the information in this book.
"Over the years I have learned so much from Allison’s writing. He has a great talent in making dense topics engaging and relevant. In the field of building science, this is a rarity! If you live in a house, pay utility bills, and are concerned about your health, this book is a must!"
~ Amanda Hatherly, Director, EnergySmart Academy at Santa Fe Community College
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"Dr. Bailes is my favorite writer in building science and HVAC design because of how he simplifies and explains complex topics. This book is sure to be a must read."
~ Bryan Orr, Founder of HVAC School and host of their podcast
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"Allison Bailes makes the complex world of building science seem intuitive. He combines the penetrating analysis of a physicist with the flowing narrative of a storyteller. And the story he tells is about what your home can and should be doing to make your life better. You're going to want to read this book!"
~ Kristof Irwin, P.E., host of the Building Science Podcast
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"I am stoked to share my excitement about the upcoming book, “A House Needs to Breathe.” Manufacturers, distributors, trades, and design professionals need to get it right – right now. There’s so much bad BS (building science) floating around, it needs to be sanitized before society moves into more bad houses. Dr. Allison Bailes, a designer’s designer, will clean house with this one - a recommended must-read!"
~ Robert Bean (ret.), ASHRAE Distinguished Lecturer, Mechanical and Building Construction Engineering
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"If you’re a homeowner or builder who wants to to either avoid comfort and moisture problems when planning a new house, or to fix them in an existing home, this is the book for you. Allison Bailes is a Ph.D with decades of field experience who really communicates with the rest of us. Using real-world case histories, photos and diagrams Allison shows and explains classic, common problems; why they happened, how they could have been avoided and how they can be fixed."
~ Lew Harriman, ASHRAE Distinguished Lecturer and author of “Measured Home Performance”
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With a background in physics and nearly twenty years of experience in many facets of the residential buildings industry, Allison Bailes has a good handle on what’s wrong with residential buildings and how to fix them. In 2001, he built a high-performance home and launched himself into a new career in the world of building science. Since that time, he has worked as an HVAC designer, home performance contractor, regional manager for a green-building program, and building science trainer. For most of this new career, Dr. Bailes has run his own companies. Energy Vanguard, which he started in 2008, is his current firm.
At heart, though, Dr. Bailes is a teacher. He taught high school science for three years prior to earning a PhD in physics from the University of Florida and then taught physics for six years at the college level after his graduate education. Since leaving academia, he has focused his teaching on the principles of building science. Through short presentations, workshops, and extended classes, he has helped thousands of people understand how buildings work.
What Dr. Bailes is most known for is writing the Energy Vanguard Blog, which gets ten thousand page views per day. He also writes regularly for Green Building Advisor and has had articles published in Fine Homebuilding, The Journal of Light Construction, Home Energy Magazine, and other publications. Dr. Bailes is also popular speaker at conferences, presenting keynote speeches, breakout sessions, and extended workshops. In addition, he is a runner, a juggler, and a skier as well as having the honor of being perhaps the only man included in Who’s Who of American Women.
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Greetings! I recently sent an update out through MailChimp. If you didn't see it, here's the link:
https://mailchi.mp/energyvanguard/bailes-book-update-30oct2022
The tl;dr* is that the books have …
Greetings from Atlanta! A lot has been happening with the book. I published a new update through our regular newsletter service, MailChimp. Here's the link: …
Summer greetings to you all from Atlanta! And winter greetings to those of you in the Southern Hemisphere. We've just passed the solstice and now …
Hello from Atlanta,
Since my last update here, I've been sending updates through our regular email marketing platform. I should have posted those updates here as …
Just a quick update here to thank you for helping to get my book off the ground. The campaign got nearly 300 more pre-orders in …
There's only about 23 hours until this campaign ends tomorrow at 1 pm. I thank all of you who have pre-ordered copies and shared the …
Hello, building science advocates. I appreciate all the pre-orders you've placed and the support you've shown. As of this writing, the book has 676 pre-orders, and …
Good evening, friends. I wanted to give you a little update about the status of the crowdfunding campaign for my book, A House Needs to …
Done. Good luck, my friend.
Marcus
Thanks, Marcus!
Plan a visit and possible book signing at the Remodeling and Deck Expo and the International Builders Show. Looking forward to reading more of your building science stories, case studies and best practices
Jeff Grantham
Grantham Building and Remodeling
Petoskey Michigan
Thanks for the suggestion, Jeff. That sounds like a great idea.
Allison Bailes and his Energy Vanguard blog has been an outstanding source of building science information and explanations. Understanding a home's issues is the first step. Explaining it to the homeowner and contractors can be the bigger challenge. Allison has helped me and many others through these challenges and I look forward to his book continuing my education.
Thank you, Allison.
I appreciate the kind words, Joe. Thanks!
Allison,
Looking forward to reading the book. My guess is you may have forgotten more about building science then some of us might ever know. Keep up the good work. You are a hero of the HVAC industry. At least to some of us.
Thanks
Jim Bergmann
Thanks, Jim! I've definitely forgotten more physics than most people ever know.
Can't wait to start reading this one!
And I can't wait for it to be done so you can do just that!
You're in my prayers.
Thanks, Steven!
I heard your interview on The Building Science Podcast and have been following The Energy Vanguard blog for a few years. Very excited for your book and all the knowledge you impart.
Thanks, Stephen!
I look forward to learning from your book. Thanks for writing it!
Thanks, Andy! And you're welcome. It's a labor of love.
Thank you and thanks to Kristof for making me aware of your new book.
You're welcome, George! Thanks for pre-ordering it.
This is exciting! Let me know if I can be of assistance.
Thanks, Les! I'll do that.
I look forward to reading your book. While I have read many of your articles/blog entries, I am hoping the book will be better than my half-hazard internet browser bookmarks.
Thanks, Irwin. That's one of the reasons I'm writing the book. With over 900 articles published in the past ten years, the Energy Vanguard Blog isn't so easy to search. Even I sometimes have a trouble finding a specific article I know I wrote, and I have a text file with the title and URL for every one of them.
Well done video too.
Did you consider offering a discount for the more books one pre-ordered?
Thanks, Les. Yeah, I thought about going that route but decided just to let the bonuses be the reward for additional copies.
I have loved your blog and look forward to seeing a book of a similar vein.
Thanks, Knud. The book will definitely be in a similar vein - and all in one place with a cohesiveness that you won't get from reading a bunch of independent articles.
Planning to relocate to Tennessee ; not tuned into a high humidity locations . Hope book covers major issues related to high humidity and management of such in homes .
Thank You ,
Bob
Yes indeed, Bob. A lot of building science books focus more on cold climates but I grew up Texas & Louisiana, went to grad school in Florida, and live in Atlanta. I'll definitely be covering humidity control.
I know what a dedicated and educated author this is. I expect no less than a thorough comprehensive report - with some humor thrown in, because that's the way he is.
Awww. Thanks, Robin!
Thanks for all your work and sharing on these important topics.
My pleasure, Lander. Thanks for your pre-order!
Thank you for writing this book and for your blog
My pleasure, Will. Really! It's been one of the highlights of the past ten years for me.
Best of luck - I have enjoyed your blog and social media posts. Looking forward to the book!
Silas
Thanks, Silas! I'm looking forward to it, too.
Allison,
I've long enjoyed your articles, and look forward to your book! Interestingly, the title mirrors an article I recently wrote in the December 2019 PB "Quality Matters" page.
God bless your ongoing efforts! Keep us on the path of accurate building science!
Graham Davis
IBACOS
Thanks, Graham! And thanks for all the great work that IBAOS does.
Love your articles! Looking forward to receiving
your book.
Best of luck to you,
Stay safe and have a great day
Rick Gemmer
Thanks, Rick! I appreciate the kind words, and your pre-order.
I've really enjoyed reading your blog over the past year so I look forward to the book. Hope it'll be flying off the shelves!
Thanks, Benoit! I hope so, too.
Allison, I've enjoyed your Blog for many years and have even seen you in person once or twice. I'm looking forward to reading your new book. Congratulations on this endeavor!
Thanks, Nancy! I hope so day we can meet in person again. Remember what it was like when we could go to conferences and be around so many other people!
Looking forward to a great read!
Thanks, Stuart! I'll do my best to make it one.
Dr. Bailles,
I am glad to support you new book. I think it will be a great reference in the office and in the field. I look forward to the finished product.
Thanks, Brian! I plan to make it so.
Allison, sorry for the delay. I hope you're well and thanks for sharing as always.
Greg
Thanks, Greg! Nice to hear from you! Hope things are going well in Toronto.
I've enjoyed your blog for a f ew years now - I can't wait to read the book! Good luck
And I can't wait to get it written and published. Thanks, Ashley!
Allison Happy to support your efforts here. Stay healthy and wish you and yours all the best!
I appreciate it, Steve! Yep. I'm staying as healthy as I can here. Hope you are, too.
Glad to help!!
Thanks, Marc!
Are you going to include a chapter on juggling?
Well, you know about RESNET's home energy juggler certification, don't you? I can't post the link here but you can find it by searching for the title:
RESNET Enters into Strategic Alliance with Int'l Jugglers Association
Thanks for your pre-order, Robert!
Thanks for all you have done and are doing to advance our trade(s) and world. You are appreciated and dare I say loved.
— Bryan
I really appreciate your pre-order, Bryan! And your kind words! The feeling is mutual.
Looking forward to getting and reading your book!
Good luck with finishing the book! No doubt it will be informative and a great read.
All the best,
Seth
Allison, I'm looking forward to the read. Good luck!
Enjoy your work Allison-Thanks for all that you do!
Really looking forward to this! I plan to DIY build my next home, and I'm sure there will be a wealth of information in here far more valuable than the price of the book.
Thank you for writing this book. A lot of builders need to read this book so they can build better houses. Home buyers need to read this book so they can buy better made homes.
Done and dusted. Can't wait to read it!
Thanks for all you do.
I like the naked man jumping in air on why we need comfort and importance of MRT in designing spaces.
Larry Mayer
Hope it turns out to be a success for you.
Looking forward to the book! I value your knowledge and input immensely.
Over the years I have come to know Allison on more than many an occasion professionally and personally, and I cannot recommend Allison's plain English explanation on such a complicated subject enough. Kudos to you sir on taking on such a monumental task, and I salute you for it. My books will be donated to the college students that I meet frequently in lectures and classes in an effort to get better homes. Build it better, build it right. Please join me in funding Allison's goal by simply buying one book, you won't regret it!
I’ll enjoy it!!!
This is a constant battle it seems when I explain why I like to build tight and control fresh ventilation instead of simply letting air leak in from horrible sources. Looking forward to learning more and gaining additional perspective on the topic!
Looking forward Allison
Keep Up the great work!!
"It's one small step...but for a giant leap into better knowledge!"
Its the book I wanted to write but didn't have the time. Congrats! and I look forward to it.
Can't wait to read it. Good luck with reaching 1,000 and congratulations!
Thanks for your words of wisdom, humor and especially all the BS! Love the blog, looking forward to reading the book.
Can't wait to read your book!
Good luck. Look forward to reading your book.
Sincerely,
Shan Jenkins, President
Jenkins Design Build
Looking forward to receiving your new book.
On a separate note - my company is trying to encourage our construction team to learn during the shut down. Do you have any tips especially for audio or video learning we can do on-line about improving home performance esp through enhanced air sealing techniques? Michael@chandlerdesignbuild.com
Thanks so much!
All the best Allison
Really looking forward to reading this book! Best of luck and I wish you the best! Thanks, Michael Grayson
Recommended by Matt Risinger (The Build Show)...can wait to learn more!
Looking forward to the read.
Thank you Allison! I am looking forward to reading and quoting this book! I'm also going to use James Powers' quote, "If you're in something that's breathing - get out - you've been eaten!"
Thank you for all your contributions, Mr. Bailes.
I appear to have missed this campaign by one day, is there still a way to preorder the book?
There may be. In the About the Author section of this page (upper left) there's a link to my website. You can use the Contact Us form to get in touch with me directly so I can see what can be done.
I sent you a message, thanks for the reply!
Hi Allison, Seems to me that the walls of your writer's hideout could use a bunch of telling photos of building science things done right and wrong. That way when you look up from your manuscript, your mind can wander around all those stories. Dylan Thomas had a writer's shack overlooking the water, so precedent has been set. Yours is just a different sort of poetry!
Yours, Larry
Larry, you're right! I'll have to get some good photos, both BS related and of writers doing their thing. I took the photo on the day I cleaned out the basement and set up the desk. I have some books on it now but nothing on the walls yet.
I'll let you know how it evolves.
$25
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Invest a little; get a lot.
You’ll get:
• 1 printed, signed copy
• 1 free digital copy
Includes:
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33 readers
One for you, two more for people you care about.
You’ll get:
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You’ll get:
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13 readers
We Americans may be mixed up about units, but you don’t have to be confused about how houses work with ten copies of this book.
You’ll get:
• 10 printed, signed copies
• 10 free digital copies
• Your name listed in the book as an Advocate
• One-hour free consultation with Dr. Bailes
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Think of all the things you can do with 50 copies of this book: Use them in your business, hand them out to contractors, or give them as presents to all your nephews and nieces!
You’ll get:
• 50 printed, signed copies
• 50 free digital copies
• Your name listed in the book as a Booster
• One-hour webinar by Dr. Bailes tailored to the needs of your organization
Includes:
$2500
1 reader
You’re the kind of person who knows a good thing when you see it. And you want the building science message to be spread far and wide. You’re a real champ!
You’ll get:
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• 100 free digital copies
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• Half-day workshop with Dr. Bailes (travel expenses extra), or one month of advertising in the Energy Vanguard Blog
Includes:
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0 readers
You’re on a mission. Busting myths and spreading the good word to anyone who has anything to do with homes is your aim. You know this is the real deal and want to get in early and go big. My appreciation for your contribution will know no bounds.
You’ll get:
• 250 printed, signed copies
• 250 free digital copies
• Your name listed in the book as a Benefactor
• Full-day workshop with Dr. Bailes (travel expenses extra), or three months of advertising in the Energy Vanguard Blog
Includes:
on March 26, 2020, 2:13 p.m.
Thank you! Can’t wait to read the book. I appreciate you sharing your knowledge and expertise, and for the time and effort you spent on writing the book
on March 26, 2020, 2:30 p.m.
You're welcome, Jon. And thank you for pre-ordering!