I wrote this one a few years ago, but it always comes to mind when the wind is howling. I hope you enjoy the story as much as I enjoyed the visit.

Well, at least the ones in the U.K., where condensing boilers are now mandatory. They're having unusual weather over there and this is the result. Progress is often a rocky (or in this case, icy) path.

If you're energy-savvy, as the Swedes are, you take the solar energy you don't need for your building and pass it into the district-heating system. That's nice because you get paid for what you don't use. And on those days when it's not sunny enough, you take advantage of that district system's always-available hot water. Smart! Read about it here.

Well, not exactly new. It's from 1912 and it's loaded with good stuff. Here's the link. Enjoy!

Who would have thought that a janitor interrupting a teacher would have led to the invention of the electric thermostat? Here's how it happened. I love stuff like this.

Here's a link to a remarkable book from the wonderful CIBSE Heritage Group in England. My friend, Paul Yunnie, sent me a copy of this a few years ago, and I'm delighted to see that it's now online so that you can enjoy it as well. Heating history at its best!

That's what subscriber, Steve Grindl, wrote when he sent me this link, which tells how to retrofit an old building to passive-house standards. Check out that insulation! Steve's been sending me a lot of good stuff and I so appreciate hearing from him (and from you!). Thanks.

Hydronics can be dangerous to your health, and also make your clothing smell bad. Don't believe me? Check this out.

Hug your kids.