There was a time when a device’s energy consumption was easy to understand and estimate. When you turned a device off, it was truly “off” and no power was drawn until it was turned on again. Today, however, we live in a world of always-on electronics. Even when “turned off” these always-on devices continue to …

I frequently notice standing water in my garage when I pull in during a rainstorm that will sit for a couple of days. The garage also suffers from condensation on the floor at times. I have been wondering if I need to install a dehumidifier in my garage to prevent mold and structural damage. If …

I am in the process of installing radiant barrier foil in my attic and was on the roof getting surface temps for a before and after study. My feet knocked some granules loose and when they fell to the ground my son asked why these granules are on the roofing shingles. That got me to …

Gas bills in an apartment can be very frustrating because you have no control over many of the factors that impact your bill. You can’t, for example, just go out and buy a more efficient water heater or furnace. And you probably can’t shop around for a more competitive gas provider. At the same time, …

My daughter’s apartment windows were in bad shape due to age, deterioration, and misuse by previous tenants. I could literally sit next to the window and feel air coming in. If you have a similar issue, I’ve got the solution. Tried and proven. Drafty windows in apartment? Here’s what to do: Air seal around the …

Insulation is one of the primary barriers in the thermal envelope and foam insulation has recently seen a surge in homeowner interest. It’s easy to understand why. The question is, is foam insulation worth it and what are the pros and cons of choosing foam insulation? I’ve researched this extensively I’ve learned that there is …

I was working on air sealing the exterior of my home where I had a hole around the air conditioning pipes that was too large to seal with silicone. I wondered if I could apply Great Stuff foam in an area that is exposed to rain and moisture. I researched this and here’s what I …

If you really want to cut your electric bill by 50%, there are some very specific strategies that you can use to do just that. The key is in evaluating your usage, implementing simple energy-saving solutions, and pursuing energy-efficient improvements that will have a positive return on investment. Here’s the steps to REALLY cutting your …

I’ve seen the marketing hype over Energy Star appliances and the money they can save you. I spent a long time researching whether or not it made sense for me to upgrade my appliances to save money on energy. This is what I learned. There are seven critical factors to determining if an appliance is …

The comprehensive DIY Home Efficiency Audit! If you are anything like me, you know that your home could be more energy efficient. Money spent needlessly each month on wasted or inefficient energy consumption can add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year. But where do you begin? It begins with taking a …