Expert Advice on Home Improvement

Draftproofing your home reduces air infiltration which saves energy and lowers your heating and cooling bills. To draftproof your home you should apply caulk and expanding foam to gaps and cracks around the perimeter of your house and install foam gaskets around exterior plugs and switches. Watch this video to find out more. Watch this video.

Nearly eighty million homes in the U.S. are under insulated, which can increase your energy bills up to 20%. The attic is the worst culprit, accounting for up to 40% of a home’s energy loss. There are several options when it comes to insulation, but fiberglass is still the most cost effective solution. Watch this video to find out more. Watch this video.

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.