Expert Advice on Home Improvement

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.

Rod asks, “I recently added an additional layer of faced fiberglass insulation to my attic. Since then I noted you stipulated unfaced insulation for the attic if you already have a layer of insulation. What should I do?”

Since you already had insulation in your attic, the new insulation you added should have been unfaced to prevent moisture from becoming trapped between the layers. But don’t panic, the solution to your problem isn’t that difficult. Read on to find out how. Read in full.

We’re adding a sunroom with impact resistant glass, two porches, a covered deck, and a swimming pool to this home with a beautiful view overlooking Mobile Bay on the Alabama Gulf Coast. Read more to see how it was done. 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.

Installing additional fiberglass insulation in your attic can really reduce energy bills. Watch this video to find out what you need to know in order to install it correctly. Watch this video.

Expanding foam insulation sprayed in wall cavities and attics has a higher insulation value and seals tighter than other forms of insulation. Watch this video to see how foam insulation can save energy in your home. Watch this video.

One of the best ways to save energy in your home is by caulking any cracks around windows and doors. While caulk alone can be applied to narrow cracks, gaps wider than ¼” should be filled with foam backer rod first. These flexible foam tubes are available at building supply stores in several diameters. Simply push the rod into the gap with a putty knife or painter’s tool until it is just below the surface then caulk over it. Watch this video.

Deepak asks, “I have 30-year-old insulated windows. A salesman told me that the seals are broken, and I am losing heat. To me the seals look fine and I speculate that broken seals should lead to condensation in the double panes. What is the best way to determine if the seals are leaking and windows need replacement?”

While condensation or discoloration inside the glass usually occurs when the seals are broken, there are other factors to consider that can affect the insulation performance of your windows even if the seals are intact. Read on to find out more. Read in full.

The Fairhope Green Home Project is the first house in Alabama to be awarded Gold Certification from the National Association of Home Builders Green Building Program. To qualify, standards must be met for water conservation, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and the use of sustainable and recycled materials. Read more to see how it was done. Read in full.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 includes federal tax credits that can save you $1,500 or more when you make energy efficiency improvements to your home. Here’s the bottom line on what’s covered, and how you can qualify. Read in full.