Accessible Thermostats
Honeywell's Easy-To-See thermostats are specially designed for anyone with decreased vision, blindness or limited hand strength. They keep you in control of your comfort by making it easier to adjust your thermostat. High-contrast markings and a ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
A Guide To Making Energy-Smart Purchases
Because of the high percentage of your energy bill that goes toward conditioning the air in your home, detecting heat losses and gains is a great place to start when deciding what measures may improve the energy efficiency of your home. Leaky ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Asbestos In Your Home
Most people exposed to small amounts of asbestos, as we all are in our daily lives, do not develop these health problems. However, if disturbed, asbestos material may release asbestos fibers, which can be inhaled into the lungs. The fibers can ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Avoiding Flood Damage Protecting Your Property
Unanchored fuel tanks can be easily moved by flood waters. These tanks pose serious threats not only to you, your family, and your house, but also to public safety and the environment. An unanchored tank outside your house can be driven into your ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Air Duct Cleaning
If not properly installed, maintained, and operated, these components may become contaminated with particles of dust, pollen or other debris. If moisture is present, the potential for microbiological growth (e.g., mold) is increased and spores ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Avoiding Flood Damage: A Checklist For Homeowners
You may have other options for avoiding flood damage depending on your needs and financial resources. These include building drainage systems around the property, sealing openings such as low windows, building levees, constructing exterior ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Caulk And Weather Strip
For a more thorough and accurate measurement of air leakage, you can hire a technician to conduct a blower door test in your home. Blower doors are variable-speed fans with a frame and shroud that allows them to fit inside a variety of door ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Automatic And Programmable Thermostats
In the winter, significant savings can be obtained by manually or automatically reducing your thermostat's temperature setting for as little as four hours per day. These savings can be attributed to a building's heat loss in the winter, which ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Blow-In-Blanket Insulation Increases Thermal Efficiency
A true BIBS system can only be provided by a certified insulation contractor. These installers are trained by BIBCA and receive a license that must be renewed every two years. Trained and certified contractors are listed in the BIBCA directory, ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Blown And Sprayed Insulation
Homeowners looking for a natural alternative to chemical foam insulation might look at soy. With none of the CFC's, HCFC's, or Formaldehyde that spark concern among indoor-air-quality experts, green builders and consumers are turning to soy-based ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Carbon Monoxide Detectors are widely available in stores and you may want to consider buying one as a back-up—BUT NOT AS A REPLACEMENT for proper use and maintenance of your fuel-burning appliances. However, it is important for you to know that ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is not always an immediate hazard. In fact, if asbestos can be maintained in good condition, it is recommended that it be left alone and periodic surveillance performed to monitor its condition. It is only when asbestos containing ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
