Sadly code minimums for newer builds haven’t really changed drastically in decades. It’s all just 2x6 with batt and poly, fundamentals the same as it has been since the 1970s. My 2019 build just had the shower lines freeze because they’re against an exterior wall (-30 cold snap, but still).
You’re probably right though that a heat pump is a better investment. Redoing the entire building envelope is a big ask if it’s not deteriorating and needing work anyway.
Yes, but also no. There are a bunch of other factors that contribute to a windows performance; manufacturer, type of gas used in the cavity, spacer material conductivity, thermal bridge free frame design, low e coatings and solar reflectance, and the quality of the installation matters most. Then there’s the windows efficiency relative to the rest of the assembly. If it’s a building code basic 2x4 wall from 1970 then you’re absolutely right, it would be overkill putting some triple pane krypton filled window in. But if you’ve got a foot of exterior insulation and are pushing a u value of 0.13 on your wall assembly then you need windows to match.
Source: certified Passive House designer, the most demanding energy standard for buildings available, that originated in … yup you guessed it, Germany.
Nothing wholesome every seeps lol love it. With you on the hovering around zero and wet though, that was my last big camp for three nights in Kootenay National Park. No problems staying cozy if it’s dry and cold, but the seepage gets to you.
Got my grandpa’s Minolta XE7 in the bag on my way to visit my daughter for the holidays. Not my oldest camera, but he’s not around anymore so there’s some nice sentiment capturing family moments with his camera. Security hand checked the film, no questions asked, so that’s nice. Couple rolls of HP5 to push for inside, and some Gold 200 if we get some sunny weather.
I’m sure the picture I’m creating in my head is way more majestic than the reality was, but It’s beautiful. Sounds like after the fanny pack and socks he just said fuck it and leaned into it hard.
I’m an architect. It’s nice having the project I’m actively working on always active on one screen, with design sketches, marked up revisions, email with comments from client, renderer etc. active on the other. Sure it only saves a second not having to tab back and forth, but if you’re doing it non stop all day it makes a big difference. Also just less effort.