Expert Advice on Home Improvement

How insulation works is expressed by its R-value, which is the measure of resistance to the flow of heat. The higher the R-value, the better insulation insulates per inch of thickness. Read on to find some general guidelines for how much insulation you need, as well as the R-value for different types of insulation. Read in full.

Jerry asks, “Can I claim the federal Energy Efficiency Tax Credit for Homeowners if I receive a tax refund?”

You may still be able to qualify for the federal Energy Efficiency Tax Credit, even if you receive a refund, as long as you don’t receive a total refund of all the federal income taxes you owed for the year. Read on to find out more. Read in full.

Eco-friendly or green materials are products that are nontoxic, use less energy and fewer resources, are made from recycled materials or are easily recyclable. While all insulation is eco-friendly to some extent, since it saves energy, cotton and soybean based insulation are even greener products, since they’re manufactured from natural materials. Watch this video to find out more. Watch this video.

Radiant heating is one of the most comfortable and energy efficient ways to heat your home. A radiant heating system consists of a series of small tubes installed under the floor, above a ceiling, or behind the walls in your home. Hot water from a dedicated hot water heater is then pumped through the tubing to warm the floor, concrete slab, or wallboard. Watch this video to find out more. Watch this video.

Low or no Voc (Volatile Organic Compound) house paints are great, since they have little odor and limit harmful chemicals in the air. But tinting the paint often defeat the purpose by adding unwanted VOCs back into the paint. Watch this video to find out more. Watch this video.

The most recent issue of AARP Bulletin magazine had an article titled, “99 Great Ways to Save.” As I read through the list of home tips, it suddenly dawned on me that here at Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford and dannylipford.com, we’ve covered all of these money-saving techniques—and many more. Read on for 10 great cost-cutting tips for your home. Read in full.

Programmable thermostats are a great way to save money and make your home more energy efficient. They can be programmed to turn off your air conditioner or heater when you’re away, then turn it back on before you return. Watch this video to find out more. Watch this video.

Gray water is the waste water from showers, tubs, sinks, and washing machines that usually goes down the drain for processing at a sewage treatment plant. While you wouldn’t want to drink it, when properly treated, gray water can be used to irrigate your lawn, shrubs, and other nonedible plants. Watch this video to find out more. Watch this video.

TV personality Bill Nye is also a proponent of green living, as he demonstrated when a front porch was added to his home. The porch was made using The Forest Stewardship Council certified lumber, low emission cement, and salvaged brick. Watch this video to find out more. Watch this video.

Installing solar sun screen on sunny windows blocks much of the direct sunlight, reducing heat and harmful UV rays by up to 90%. Solar shade cloth will keep your house cooler in the summer, reducing energy bills from air conditioning, and protect fabrics and furniture from fading. Watch this video to find out more. Watch this video.