How-To Projects

Make your home more comfortable year round by adding attic insulation. The project can pay for itself in as little as two years in reduced energy costs. While older homes typically have less insulation than homes built today, adding insulation to a newer home may also pay off.

Caulk forms a flexible seal around cracks, gaps or joints less than one-quarter-inch wide. You can use a caulking compound to seal air leaks in a variety of places throughout your home. In addition to sealing air leaks, caulking can also prevent water damage inside and outside of the home when applied around faucets, ceiling fixtures, water pipes, drains, bathtubs and other plumbing fixtures. Before caulking any air leaks in an existing home, you need to detect air leaks within your home.

Replacing old windows is a great way to improve the overall energy efficiency of your home. We offer up tips for replacing your windows and some less-expensive ways to make yours work harder for you. 

This time of year, the heat drives us indoors where it's cooler and more comfortable. But is it healthier? Learn about small steps you can take to reduce your consumption—and save on monthly electricity costs.

Solar heat absorbed through windows and roofs can increase your air conditioner use. Incorporating shading concepts into your landscape design can help reduce solar heat gain — reducing your cooling costs, while also adding beauty to your home.

Maintenance is vital to efficient lighting in your home. Light levels decrease over time because of aging lamps and dirt on fixtures, lamps and room surfaces. Together, these factors can reduce total illumination by 50% or more, while lights continue drawing full power.

While some air conditioning maintenance jobs should be left to the pros, here are some steps you can take to maximize your system’s energy efficiency and lifespan.

Your refrigerator consumes up to 15% of the electricity it takes to run your home, so the more energy efficient it is, the better. Here are some steps you can take to maximize your refrigerator’s efficiency and lifespan.