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Note to readers: So this isn’t really a new column, just a reincarnation of our Energy Focus column. The folks over at the Cold Climate Housing Research Center saw the popularity of the “Ask a Trooper” and “Ask a Wildlife Trooper” columns, and they wanted to get in on the Q&A format also. Hey, it works for us: It lets you directly ask the energy experts what building or home-related question is on your mind. Drop the CCHRC folks a line, and we’ll see you on Wednesdays. Welcome to “Ask a Builder.”

Q: I have a concrete foundation. I know insulating my foundation can save heat. How can I do that?

A: Well, for starters, if it’s un-insulated, you can certainly save some heat. I’d like point out that the code, by Alaska Housing Finance, recommends an R-value of 15, which is about 3 inches of blue foam. If you don’t have anything there now, then you’ve got a couple options. Ideally, digging around the outside of the foundation and insulating on the outside will keep things warmer and keep the foundation warmer, but sometimes that’s not practical. As an alternative, you can insulate the inside of the foundation by putting the insulation on and taping the joints. One important thing to note is that the rim-joist area where the joints are going in is prone to air leakage, so make sure you address that. Sometimes people stuff fiberglass into those joist bays, but that doesn’t stop airflow. A better choice would be to cut sheets of foam to fit in there and spray foam around the edges, or hire a spray foam contractor to spray the joists, so you can stop airflow and heat losses.

Q: Are solar hot water heaters worth it in Alaska?

A: I would give that a cautious thumbs up. The reason I would be cautious is that if you’re going to buy a solar hot water heater and move out of your house in three years, the cost might not be worth the money you would save. But if you are looking at staying in your house for 20 years, then it could be well worth it.

Q: What are the advantages of LED (light emitting diode) lights over compact fluorescents?

A: LED lights use less power and have a longer life. Initially there have been some costs involved that have kept them from reaching the broad market, but those are getting lower and every month brings new innovations to LEDs. They are more durable, they stand up well to cold weather, and are non-toxic, whereas compact fluorescents have mercury in them, so disposal is a problem.

Q: My house is on pilings. No matter how well I insulate, my pipes freeze. What can I do?

A: You have a couple options, depending on what you’ve done already. Fiberglass alone is not a great insulator. Heat tape makes a big difference, particularly for drain lines. In this case, you’d want to get a good quality, self-limiting heat tape. Local plumbing stores sell that product and have literature on how to install it safely. Heat tape should be put on the bottom of your water line. Don’t just wrap it around in a spiral shape because any water or slow drips that are going down that drain are going to freeze to the bottom of the line. Place the heat tape there so you introduce heat right where it’s needed the most. If it’s on the top of the line, then it’s a lot less likely to thaw any blockages. This is important advice for traps too.

Alaska HomeWise articles promote home awareness for the Cold Climate Housing Research Center (CCHRC). If you have a question, e-mail us at akhomewise@cchrc.org. You can also call the CCHRC at (907) 457-3454.