Expert Advice on Home Improvement

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.

Foam insulation made from soybeans is both energy efficient and eco-friendly since it doesn’t release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) while drying. After spraying it on, the insulation expands to 100 times its size to fill every crack and crevice. This creates a seamless air barrier that can save from 30% - 50% on energy bills. Watch this video.

Not only can additional insulation reduce your energy bills and make your home more comfortable, but GreenFiber cellulose insulation is made from 85% recycled material and uses 10% less energy to make. It can be blown or damp sprayed into walls, floors, and attics. The natural fibers are treated with a nontoxic chemical for flame resistance and are guaranteed for the life of your home. Watch this video.

Up to 40% of the heat loss or gain in a home is due to leaks in the thermal envelope surrounding the living space. To save energy, make sure the attic has plenty of insulation, and fill any cracks or gaps around windows, doors, plumbing pipes, and HVAC lines. Installing foam gaskets behind switch and outlet covers is another good way to reduce air infiltration in your home. Watch this video.

Gaps around windows let heated and cooled air escape and increase your energy bills. Find out the best ways to fill gaps and prevent energy loss. Watch this video.

Replacing worn or damaged weather stripping around exterior doors will save money on your energy bills. On new doors, weather stripping fits in a groove cut in the casing while older doors require strips to be attached. Watch this video.

One of the first steps in creating a green home is finding innovative, environmentally friendly products to incorporate into the construction or remodeling process. Green products are those manufactured from nontoxic, sustainable, or recycled materials. They also include items that save energy or can be easily recycled. Here are a few green products worth considering for your home. Watch this video.

Homeowners ask me all the time how they can control their monthly utility bills. Many have resigned themselves to paying high bills because they think that’s just the price you have to pay to be comfortable and that’s certainly a factor. Watch this video.

Adding fiberglass insulation to your attic is a great idea to improve energy efficiency but the process can be very uncomfortable due to the small glass fibers in the insulation. In addition to a long sleeved shirt, long pants, gloves, dust mask and eye goggles rub your hands and arms with baby powder or corn starch before working with fiberglass insulation. Watch this video.

To cut insulation squarely and accurately use a utility knife with snap off blade. Extend the blade all the way out and lock it. The resulting 3″-4″ blade will make it easier to cut through thick batts of insulation. Use the straight edge of a piece of wood, lay it across the insulation, then kneel on one end of the insulation to compress it and run the blade down the edge of the wood for a nice square cut. Remember, to keep the fibers from irritating your skin wear a long sleeved shirt, pants, gloves, dust mask and safety glasses. Watch this video.