The Field Notes.
Plain-English articles on energy testing, building science, and Florida code — for builders and homeowners.
Duct Sanitizing vs. Duct Cleaning: What's the Difference?
Duct cleaning removes dust and debris. Duct sanitizing treats odor-causing bacteria and musty odors. How the two compare for a Florida home.
How Often Should You Change Your AC Filter in Florida?
Florida AC systems run most of the year, so filters load up faster than the box says. A practical schedule for Ocala and Marion County homes.
Is Duct Sanitizing Worth It in Florida? A Duct Tester's Answer
What duct sanitizing with Nu-Calgon Bio-Fresh cd does, why Florida AC systems get musty, and when it makes sense for an Ocala or Marion County home.
MERV 8 vs 11 vs 13: Which Pleated Filter Is Right for Your Home?
What MERV 8, 11 and 13 mean under ASHRAE 52.2, why higher isn't always better, and how to pick a pleated filter your Florida AC can breathe through.
Blower Door Test Day in Ocala: What to Expect and How to Prepare Your Site
When B&I Testing arrives at your Ocala new construction site for a blower door test, the process takes about an hour. Here's exactly what happens, what we need from the site, and what builders should do the day before to ensure a clean test.
Ocala Envelope Leakage vs. Duct Leakage Testing: Two Different Tests, Two Different Code Requirements
Florida new construction requires both an envelope leakage test (blower door) and a duct leakage test, but they measure different things and have different code limits. Here's exactly what each test does and when Ocala builders need each one.
How to Read Your Manual J Report: An Ocala Builder's Guide to Verifying Load Calculations
Manual J reports contain specific sections and numbers that mean specific things. Here's a section-by-section walkthrough for Ocala builders who want to verify their load calculation makes sense before submitting to Marion County.
Manual D Duct Design for Ocala New Construction: Sizing Ducts for Climate Zone 2 Attics
Manual D sizes the duct system that delivers your Manual J cooling and heating loads. In Ocala, most ducts run through unconditioned attic space — and that changes how Manual D needs to be done. Here's what Marion County builders should know.
Marion County Blower Door Requirements: ACH50 Limits, Florida 2023 Code, and What Permit Reviewers Check
Florida new construction requires a blower door test to verify envelope air leakage. Here's the exact ACH50 limit for Marion County, how the test connects to your Manual J, and what the permit office checks before issuing a certificate of occupancy.
Marion County Manual J Requirements: What Ocala Builders Need to Submit for New Construction Permits
Florida new construction in Marion County requires a Manual J load calculation with every building permit. Here's exactly what the permit office checks, what gets rejected, and what a compliant submittal package looks like for Ocala residential projects.
Manuals and Energy Calculations in Ocala: The Complete Submittal Package for Marion County Builders
A new construction energy package for Marion County permits includes Manual J, Manual D, Manual S, and Form R405-2023. Here's exactly what each document does, how they connect, and what Ocala builders should submit as a single package.
Ocala HVAC Sizing: How Florida Climate Zone 2 Affects Your Manual J Load Calculation
Marion County sits in Florida Climate Zone 2 — humid subtropical, high latent loads, and design conditions that make HVAC sizing different from anywhere else in the country. Here's exactly how CZ2 affects your Manual J and what Ocala builders should watch for.
Why Ocala New Construction Fails Blower Door Tests (And How to Fix It Before Final Inspection)
When a Marion County new construction home fails its blower door test, the cause is almost always one of seven specific air leakage patterns. Here's exactly where to look, how to fix each one, and what to expect on a re-test.
Top 9 Energy Problems We Find in Florida Homes (And What They Actually Cost You)
After hundreds of homes tested in Marion County, the same handful of problems show up over and over. Here's what we find, why it matters, and what to do about it.
Delta T Explained: What Your HVAC Temperature Difference Reveals About Your System
The temperature drop across your air handler is one of the fastest indicators of HVAC health. Here's how to read it and what high or low numbers mean.
Envelope Leakage Testing in Florida: A Complete Guide for Homeowners and Builders
Florida requires every new home to pass envelope leakage testing — blower door and duct leakage — before getting a certificate of occupancy. Here's exactly how it works.
Home Energy Testing in Ocala, FL: What to Expect and What It Costs
Local energy testing for Ocala homeowners and builders. Blower door, duct leakage, infrared imaging, and full diagnostic reports — done right here in Marion County.
Infrared Thermal Imaging: How Thermal Cameras Reveal Hidden Home Energy Problems
Thermal cameras show what the naked eye can't — missing insulation, hidden air leaks, moisture intrusion, and thermal bridging. Here's how we use them on Florida homes.
LiDAR Scanning in Home Energy Audits: Why Precision Mapping Matters
LiDAR captures a full 3D model of your home in minutes. For energy audits, that precision turns vague problem descriptions into exact, locatable findings.
New Construction Energy Testing Requirements in Marion County: A Builder's Guide
Every new home in Marion County needs blower door, duct leakage, and Manual J/D/S documentation before CO. Here's exactly what's required and how to plan for it.