George Swanson, a groundbreaking expert in biological buildings joins us to discuss the transformative benefits of heating and cooling with non-toxic materials. George Swanson is the owner of Swanson and Associates, a pioneering force in the field of non-toxic building materials and methods. He’s also the author of “Breathing Walls,” a comprehensive guide to creating healthy living spaces using biological building techniques George Swanson’s approach to heating and cooling is deeply rooted in ancient techniques, which he has adapted to modern building standards. He emphasizes the importance of radiant heat and cool, which are achieved through non-toxic materials and intelligent design. Swanson explains that traditional air conditioning and heating systems often not only work against our body’s natural thermal dynamics, leading to health issues but they are much more expensive in terms of long term costs. One of the key concepts George teaches us is the importance of thermal mass, which refers to a material’s ability to store and distribute heat or cool over time. Traditional materials like straw, clay, and rammed earth have been used for centuries to create buildings that naturally regulate temperature, providing comfort and stability without relying on harmful chemicals or inefficient systems. Standards are very important for the establishment of trust, and yet, in the building industry, the R-value, a term used to measure a material’s resistance to heat flow is not really what it appears. George explains that the R-value of conventional insulation materials like fiberglass is often exaggerated, especially under real-world conditions where moisture is present. Moisture can significantly reduce the effectiveness of these materials, leading to mold growth and poor indoor air quality. George Swanson advocates for only using natural “breathing” non-toxic materials and avoiding using the moisture trapping synthetic toxic materials commonly used in modern construction. He also shares what practical options that are available today. For homeowners looking to improve their indoor environment, George offers several practical solutions. For those of you who are very concerned about “Climate Change”, Kim asks George about a highly censored Solar Cycle called The Grand Solar Minimum and how would he suggest people build to successfully be able to live during this cycle. By embracing these ancient yet highly effective building techniques, homeowners can create living spaces that are not only more comfortable and efficient but also significantly healthier. Swanson and Associates provides invaluable insights that offer a blueprint for transforming our approach to heating and cooling, leading to a future where our homes support our well-being and are designed to harmonize with the natural environment.