Energy Efficient Homes

Currently, DIY closed-cell insulation is one of the best systems available for reducing heat loss in residential and commercial buildings. When foam insulation was introduced more than 30 years...

In past years, a foam insulation system DIY project was not possible because the foam insulation products on the market were only sold to professionals who were trained to work with the product....

DIY expanding foam insulation might be the just the product for your insulation projects. In some cases, you might be able to stop nearly 100 percent of the heat loss from your home, which is not...

With growing concerns about pollution from power plants and the long-term viability of fossil fuels, the interest in renewable energy has skyrocketed. Technology advances over the past few decades...

Building a miniature greenhouse in your garden adds a way for you to begin gardening earlier and keep certain plants growing longer into the fall. A miniature greenhouse costs little and can be...

Do-it-yourself (DIY) house foam insulation is becoming a popular method for homeowners to insulate their leaky and drafty homes. Foam insulation works the same as standard insulation materials,...

Over time, masonry used in landscaping can crack or chip and need repair. Caulking cement repairs the damaged part and provides a water barrier that prevents the cement from cracking further. A...

Installing new insulation is a smart choice for any do-it-yourself project enthusiast because of the immediate returns that will be realized by the property owner. Completing the endeavor will...

With the rise of energy prices, concern about global climate change, and the driving need to make a difference, many are considering an end to their reliance on coal-fired grid power and using the...

Although not common yet, solar energy systems are gaining popularity among those who wish to reduce their monthly energy bills. Additionally, the government offers incentives to help people...

There are two main uses of wind energy to power a home. Wind mills have long been used to power water pumps on farms, and easily can be built in the back yard of a home with well water. The other...

A home qualifies as an Energy Star rated home if it meets energy efficiency guidelines as set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Independent third-party inspection and testing...

Compact fluorescent lights, or CFLs, can save energy and money when used in place of conventional light bulbs. Although CFLs come in several styles, the standard spiral-shaped bulbs are the most...

Converting your home so that it runs on solar electric is a relatively straightforward process. Electricity is generated by using photovoltaic panels, which can fit on the roof of your home. If...

Do-it-yourself sound insulation can go a long way toward eliminating noise from appliances, home theaters, telephones or metal air ducts. Although these noises aren't necessarily loud, they are...

Closed loop geothermal heating provides an incredibly efficient and cost-effective means of heating a home. By circulating water through vertically or horizontally installed closed-loop...

Want new kitchen cabinets. Want better quality but your on a budget. If you install them yourself you can afford better cabinets.

Solar water heaters use thermodynamic principles to heat and separate warm water from cool water. They are particularly effective in hotter regions with regularly clear skies. By using empty beer...

A do-it-yourself crawl space vapor barrier can help improve your home's comfort level. Also called a vapor retarder, it can also make your home healthier and prevent damage from moisture and mold...

When you complete a DIY easy attic insulation project, chances are that you will reduce your energy costs. Even if you already have insulation installed, adding more insulation may increase your...

Digital thermostats use thermistors or other semiconductor devices to measure temperature and control the flow of heat. Digital thermostats allow for the precise regulation of temperature, along...

Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) use 75 percent less energy than standard incandescent bulbs, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and they last up to 10 times longer. You...

While all wind turbines provide clean fuel, not all are exactly alike. Wind turbines with a horizontal axis are more common; these turbines have blades spinning perpendicular to the ground....

A wooden house can be attractive to the eye, but drafts can be a real problem when cold weather comes. Proper insulation ensures that a wooden house remains comfortable in all seasons, making it...

The protection of the environment is not the only reason to find renewable sources of energy. Economically speaking, it is fast becoming a necessity. Solar panels are a good energy source for...

Heat pumps transfer heat between your home and an outside source. Air heat pumps use the outdoor air as that source. Geothermal heat pumps rely on the consistent, year-round heat found just below...

Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) are energy-efficient bulbs that last about ten times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, according to Energy Star. Using CFLs in your home can save time,...

A vapor barrier serves two purposes: to protect your home from moisture damage and to make your home more energy efficient. In recent years, vapor barriers have become common in residential...

A vapor barrier installation is essential for preventing the penetration of water vapor through walls, basement floors and crawl spaces of your home. Since the 1920's, plastic sheeting has been...

Insulating a garage is a task you can perform yourself with a small budget even if you possess little to no insulating experience. With a bit of planning, some basic tools, and moderate...

Insulating a garage is a task you can perform yourself even if you possess little to no insulating experience. With a bit of planning, some basic tools and moderate mechanical skills, you can...

Insulating a garage is a task you can perform yourself even if you possess little to no insulating experience. With a bit of planning, some basic tools, and moderate mechanical skills. you can...

A composting toilet is one that uses little or no water and treats the waste as valuable compost. A composting toilet essentially works by providing an enclosed environment for the natural process...

Geothermal heating is making great strides into commonplace usage in this day of increased environmental awareness. Whether you want to have a smaller impact on the environment or you want lower...

High utility costs have many homeowners considering the advantages of DIY exterior insulation siding. In recent years, great strides have been made in the insulating value and the overall quality...

In an effort to cut down on energy use, individuals around the globe are looking for ways to become more energy efficient. In the United States, statistics on energy use are startling. For...

With energy costs rising and concerns growing over global warming due to the burning of fossil fuels, people are looking for ways to make their homes and businesses more energy-efficient....

Building solar requires a great deal of planning and, at this point, a fairly substantial upfront investment. However, with the right planning you can see the investment pay for itself completely...

Whether you should use a vapor barrier or Tyvek when installing wood siding depends on a variety of factors, such as the composition of the remaining wall system and the climate. It is important...

Improperly insulated metal ducts in unconditioned spaces like attics and basements lose 10 to 30 percent of the energy used to heat the air in the duct through conduction. Fiberglass insulation...

Heating and electricity constitute significant costs for home owners, and energy prices will surely continue to rise in the foreseeable future. Fortunately, there are many solar energy...

Cutting a building's electric bill, whether residential or commercial, can be accomplished by installing photovoltaic solar panels. With many states offering generous financial incentives and the...

With energy prices continuing to rise, people are focusing more on how to save energy in the home, car and work. However, when it comes to a spacious warehouse with poor insulation, the...

Electric baseboard heaters offer a very efficient way to heat a home. They are great for supplementing other types of heat sources, like wood or pellet burners and propane-fueled, forced-air heat....

Solar technology has been rapidly advancing in the 2000s due to government funding programs. Solar is clean, renewable energy and has become a national issue as a result of volatile oil prices and...

Some people are looking for alternative ways of heating their house to avoid the cost of electricity or the politics of oil. Various pellets are available that burn in stoves designed to burn them...

With growing concerns over the environmental effects of burning fossil fuels and rising energy prices, many people are looking to renewable energy as a clean alternative and a way to cut down on...