Building science expert Allison Bailes III, PhD—founder of Energy Vanguard and author of A House Needs to Breathe…Or Does It?—has long been known for educating professionals and homeowners about how buildings truly function. Recently, Bailes applied his own research to a personal project: retrofitting his 1961 home in Atlanta, Georgia. The renovation allowed him to test innovative building products, such as InSoFast insulation panels, inverter-driven Mitsubishi heat pumps, air quality monitors, and bio-based spray foam insulation. Each choice reflected his core principle that any product must align with sound building science, suit the local climate, and meet practical installation needs. His basement remodel, for instance, demonstrated both the strengths and trade-offs of new insulation materials, while his use of small-diameter PEX plumbing and air quality sensors showed how simple innovations can dramatically improve comfort and efficiency.
Through this hands-on project, Bailes reaffirmed that progress in home performance depends on balancing innovation with solid science. While products like modular construction systems and air-to-water heat pumps are still emerging, he believes they represent the next frontier in energy-efficient building. His retrofit underscores that not every solution fits every home—but careful selection, informed by both data and experience, leads to better performance and healthier living spaces. For Bailes, the project has become a living lab, deepening his understanding and providing real-world lessons for homeowners, builders and industry peers alike on how thoughtful design and technology can make older homes more resilient and sustainable.
