Expert Advice on Home Improvement

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.

Drowning in utility bills? JELD-WEN Windows and Doors can provide some relief! Enter the JELD-WEN Utility Bill Bailout for a chance to win an entire window and door makeover for your home. The winning home will also be featured on an upcoming episode of Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford®. Watch this video.

Jeff asks, “I would like to install an attic vent fan in the gable vent of my house, but to install it on the side away from the prevailing wind will be extremely difficult. Could it be installed instead in the gable vent on the windward side to draw air into the attic?“

If your attic uses soffit vents at the bottom and gable vents at the top for ventilation, having a gable vent fan drawing air into the attic would not be the best solution, since it would tend to create positive pressure in the attic which could reverse the natural air flow that occurs when heat rises up through the soffit vents and out through the gable vents. Read on to find out more. Read in full.

Ron asks, “Our contractor installed a ridge vent and a solar powered vent fan on our roof. I noticed you said that these two systems should not be combined. Should we remove the solar vent fan?“

An attic is vented using the natural circulation that occurs when hot air rises. In hot climates, a power vent fan is often mounted behind a gable vent or cut into the roof near the peak to assist this process by forcibly expelling hot air from the attic. Read more to find out why combining a power vent fan and a ridge vent may not be a good idea. Read in full.

Bob asks, “What’s the best way to heat and cool a home? I know good windows and insulation are a must, but I’m still puzzled when it comes to heating/cooling systems.“

There are a number of choices these days when it comes to heating and cooling your home, from geothermal heat pumps to gas furnaces. Read on to find out more. Read in full.

The Heat Seeker Infrared Thermometer from General Tools is perfect way to conduct a do-it-yourself inspection of your heating/cooling system for leaks in the ductwork, or a general home energy audit. To use, simply train the laser pointer on the object and read the remote temperature reading on the LCD screen. The Heat Seeker is available at The Home Depot. Watch this video.

Lin asks, “I want to install attic vent fans in my roof. Is there a formula on how many you need and the size?“

Attic exhaust vent fans can reduce your air conditioning bill in the summer while preventing condensation and ice dams from forming during the winter. They are available as hardwired or solar powered models, and fit over a hole cut in your roof or mount on the inside of a gable vent. Read on to find out how to select the correct size attic vent fan for your home. Read in full.