60-Minute Home Improvement Projects

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On television, home improvement projects go from start to finish in 60 minutes or less. You’ve probably thought while watching, “If I could get a project done in less than an hour, I’d definitely do it, but I don’t have all day or a whole weekend.” If you’re one of those people, there’s good news: You don’t need to spend a lot of time to spruce up your home. Here are some ideas for quick projects that deliver big results. Cut Your Energy Bills The furnace is the largest appliance in your house. Help it work more efficiently—and reduce the drafts that force it to work harder—with these suggestions. Install a programmable thermostat. If your home is one of 50 million in America that still has an old-fashioned dial thermostat that you manually adjust, according to the National Electrical Manufacturer's Association, it’s time to switch. Programmable thermostats allow you to automatically vary the temperature in the home throughout the day, so the heat is lowered while you are at work but then raises before you return, which is a money- and energy-saver. Also, dial thermostats contain mercury, which can affect the brain, heart, kidneys, lungs and immune system of people of all ages. Of great concern is mercury’s impact on children’s developing nervous systems, which can affect cognitive function. Because of these risks, 15 states have restricted the sale of mercury thermometers. Fortunately programmable thermostats are easy to install and relatively economical, costing $35 to $100, says Dean Bennett, president of Dean Bennett Design and Construction, Inc., in Castle Rock, Colo. “These help avoid discomfort by raising temperatures while you sleep or before you return home,” he says. “Most are simple to install yourself and the job takes about 45 minutes.” A screwdriver, drill and possibly touch-up paint are all you need to start saving money on your heating bills. Seal out drafts. Weatherstripping around windows and doors can stop chilly air from making your home feel less than cozy. Permanent weather stripping, which has adhesive, is recommended around doors and windows that are opened through the season. For windows that will stay shut until spring, consider temporary weather seals or sealant that peels off when it’s no longer needed. This will make your home more comfortable while ensuring your furnace won’t have to work so hard to warm your house. Drain your water heater. Water contains sediment that can collect at the bottom of your water heater. These particles will create insulation over time that will force your heater to work harder to get you a hot shower. The extra temperature stresses the metal, causing leaks. To counter this, simply drain a quart of water from your hot water heater once every three months. Check your owner’s manual for instructions. Spruce Up Your Space Fresh paint and new hardware can add a fresh glow to an old room. Pick a bold paint color. Then use it to paint just one wall in a room. “You don't have to paint a whole room to change things up,” says Marcus Hunt, carpenter on HGTV’s Hammer Heads. “You'll save money on paint, and one wall shouldn't take you that long.”

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