Home Improvement Tips to Increase the Market
Value of your Home - Part 3
We’ve already covered many aspects of home improvement tips
in parts 1
and 2 of
this home improvement series.
Everything from vinyl tile floors, wood paneling, creative ways to
make extra storage space, wallpapering, and more has been addressed.
If you’ve missed either of these two articles, you may want
to take time to read them. With winter drawing near, we now
want to take a look at ways to get ready for the big chill. Making
sure your thermostat is running at top efficiently and proper attic
insulation will help ensure a lower energy bill this winter.
Non-programmable Thermostats
Like most mechanical devices, a non-programmable, old fashioned
thermostat will need to be tuned up from time to time. A well-tuned
thermostat will mean more uniform room temperature and a lower energy
bill.
If temperatures in your home swing from one extreme to another,
try the following:
- Turn the power off at the service panel.
- Take off the thermostat cover; some snap off, others unscrew.
- Remove visible debris and clean contacts. The style of non-programmable
thermostat will determine which cleaning method is best. Use a
clean, soft brush to clean contacts on some models; a photographer’s
brush with a bulb for blowing air to remove dust is perfect. Some
styles require you to turn the thermostat to the lowest setting
in order to clean the contact; do this using a piece of thick
paper. On round models, remove the body to reach the contacts;
wipe contacts with a cotton swab that has been dipped in a 50/50
solution of vinegar and water. Once contacts have been cleaned,
replace the cover.
- Finally, check to make sure the thermostat is level. Set a level
on top of the unit. Round models will have “ears”
to support the level, which are visible when the body is off.
Programmable Thermostats
Updating a non-programmable thermostat with a programmable model
is an effective way to reduce heating costs. It can be set lower
at night while everyone is tucked under blankets, sleeping. During
the daytime it can be set higher to keep the house cozy and warm.
When both parents work and children are away at school, a programmable
thermostat can really be indispensable. It can be set lower at night
to conserve energy for a lower energy bill. Higher during early morning
while the family is preparing for the busy day ahead. Set lower during
day hours when everyone is away from the house; higher again mid afternoon
just before family members are due home for a warm welcome. Selecting
a Programmable Thermostat
Exchanging an old fashioned thermostat for a programmable model
is a great home improvement tip in and of itself. But, what model
of programmable thermostat should you get? Several factors must
be considered.
Select a model with features compatible with your needs and lifestyle.
Decide how many cycles per day and schedules per week are required
for your household. A model with a manual and vacation override
is a good idea; select one easy to program.
Avoid models that are complicated with multi-features that far
exceed your requirements. They can be confusing and cost more, and
will prove less efficient as a result. Before making a purchase,
however, check for system compatibility.
Installing a Programmable Thermostat
Installing a programmable thermostat is not time-consuming. It
only takes about an hour. However, the job may seem complicated
or prove too nervy for persons not experienced working with electronic
circuitry. If this is the case, you may feel more comfortable hiring
an HVAC contractor for the job.
If you elect to do the job yourself you will need the following
tools: a drill, a level, a screwdriver, a pair of wire strippers,
and 2 pencils. Follow the directions below:
- Turn off the power to the heating/cooling system at the service
panel.
- Unscrew or snap off the cover to the old thermostat; take off
the unit’s body.
- Label the wire locations, and then disconnect them. To keep
wires from falling into the wall cavity, wrap them around one
of the pencils.
- Strip about 3/8” insulation from the wire ends. If ends
are corroded, clean them with steel wool.
- Remove the pencil and slip the wires through the breastplate
of the new programmable thermostat. Position the breastplate on
the wall; use a level to insure it is positioned straight.
- Mark placement for new screw holes. Remove the plate, drill
the holes. Insert anchors; screw the plate in place.
- Attach the wires to the new thermostat following the manufacturer’s
directions. When you are through, push the excess length of wire
back through the hole in the wall.
- Install batteries, if required. Snap the front cover in place.
Turn on the power from the service panel.
- Check the new thermostat’s operation; program the unit
and test it out.
If there is a problem, check the troubleshooting section of the
programmable thermostat owner’s manual, or call the manufacturer.
Attic Insulation Home Improvement Tips
Proper insulation is essential if you want a lower energy bill,
especially for homes in colder climates such as Ontario, Toronto,
and Alberta. And although insulating the attic might not be all
that expensive a project, energy efficient house insulation can
increase the market value of your home.
When working with insulation, always wear a hat, goggles, mask,
and gloves.
Types of Attic Insulation
There are various types of insulation: fiberglass batts and blankets,
loose-fill fiberglass, rock wool, and cellulose; polystyrene foam
sheets, and urethane foam. Of these, four are appropriate for the
average attic.
If you hire a home improvement contractor, your best choices for
attic insulation are more varied. Loose-fill rock wool and loose-fill
fiberglass both require a contractor. Both also provide better coverage
and are more effective than batts over ceiling joists.
If you elect to do the insulating yourself, Fiberglass batts or
blankets, and loose-fill cellulose are your best options. Fiberglass
is economical, easy to install, and nonflammable. Its downside is
that heat is lost through framing.
Loose-fill cellulose provides better coverage than batts over ceiling
joists, and is easy to install in the attic. It is, however, a messy,
dusty job.
Laying Fiberglass Batting
If you already have insulation in your attic, run batts over the
tops of joists at right angles to the existing insulation. This
will cover gaps in the first layer and insulate thermal bridges
(heat escape routes) caused by the joists.
Work from the eaves toward the center. Use a plywood platform while
working. If the batting you are using is faced, slash it every few
inches so it won’t trap moisture.
The floor above an unheated basement or crawl space can also be
insulated using fiberglass batting. Fill spaces between floor joists
with the vapor-retarder up against the floor. Hold the insulation
in place using sturdy wire cut slightly longer than the width of
the cavity between joists. Push them into place against the batts
every 2 or 3 feet, bowing them upward.
Final Home Improvement Tips
Insulating the attic and floor over an unheated basement with fiberglass
batts might be a project the average homeowners has the time and
patience required to complete by them self. Other types of insulation,
or insulation projects for other areas of the home such as crawl
spaces and walls might be best handled from an experienced home
improvement contractor.
Harsh weather elements, including freezing temperatures, humidity,
and extreme heat require special methods and materials for effective
insulation. An experienced home renovation contractor will know
what techniques and materials to use.
The best home improvement tip yet is to post your home project
needs with HandyCanadian.com. Qualified contractors in your area
are waiting to bid on your project. Giving you the opportunity to
hire the most qualified contractor at the most competitive price.
Posting online at HandyCanadian.com is quick, easy…and it’s
free!
Click here to post your home improvement proect now!
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