Expert Advice on Home Improvement

Installing a programmable thermostat controls the temperature in your home while you’re away so the heating and cooling system will use less energy. While this can save up to 15% a year on utility bills, the actual amount will vary depending on how it is set and the amount of time the house is vacant each day. Watch this video to find out more Watch this video.

Air conditioning your home can be expensive and use a lot of energy. Watch this video for some simple tips on ways to reduce your energy bills such as installing tinted film, adding awnings to sunny windows, or planting shade trees on the sunny side of your house. Watch this video.

Jac asks, “I would like some advice on preparing my apartment for the winter. I’m a college student, so I’m on a tight budget, but I really want to save money and be more green this winter. Any advice for simple, inexpensive ways to winterize an apartment?”

Since you don’t own your residence, your options for energy reduction are limited to ones that won’t require making physical changes to your apartment. However, there are still a number of ways you can save energy. Read on to find out more. Read in full.

Using a thermographic camera is a great way to find air leaks and insulation gaps when conducting an energy audit on your home. The camera works by detecting infrared heat radiation and converting it to a color display with blue for colder objects and red for warmer. Watch this video to find out more. Watch this video.

Brad asks, “How can I fix the pull chain on my ceiling fan that broke off inside the switch?”

With most pull chain fan switches, you’ll need to replace the switch, though on some models you may be able to reattach the chain. To replace the switch, you will need to know whether it operates the fan or light. Read on to find out more about how to repair or replace it. Read in full.

Low-E glass can be a great addition to your home because it has many advantages. The Low-E coating reflects heat back to its source so it helps your home stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter and the coating won’t scratch off because it is applied to the inside of the glass. Watch this video to find out more. Watch this video.

Herb asks, “Is it a good idea to install a TV over a fireplace?”

Mounting a flat screen TV over the fireplace has become quite popular, but there are a number of potential problems to consider first. Read on to find out more. Read in full.

With the rising cost of gas and electricity, finding ways to cut back on your energy consumption is more important than ever. To help you cope, we’re taking a look at four great ways to make your home more energy efficient that are also eligible for the Federal Energy Efficiency Tax Credit: upgrading your heating and cooling system, water heater, windows, and attic insulation. Read in full.

Bill asks, “My ceiling fan vibrates and wobbles when turned on high speed. How can I fix it?”

There are several possible problems that could cause your paddle fan to wobble. Read on to find out how to go about repairing it. Read in full.

As we move into the halfway mark of Energy Efficiency Month, I am celebrating on October 15th by being part of a panel discussion in Washington, DC, for the conservation of energy and the solutions to attaining this global goal. I will be sharing my thoughts and suggestions on different products and techniques to bring energy bills down in both new construction and existing homes. Read on to find out more. Read in full.