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A Guide to Making Energy-Smart Purchases
Being more energy efficient can be as simple and inexpensive as buying and installing caulk and weatherstripping or as complicated and expensive ... |
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A Vacation Condo as a Second Home
A condominium may be a smart purchase for a vacation home, since amenities like security, pools, and community rooms are all included in ... |
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AC Energy Ratios
When shopping or air conditioners, look for seasonal energy ratios (SEER) over 12 for central air conditioners and energy efficiency ratings (EER) ... |
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AC Rating
Air conditioners are rated by the number of British Thermal Units (Btu) of heat they can remove per hour. Another common rating term for air ... |
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AC Settings
Don't set your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. It will not cool your home any faster and could ... |
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Air Conditioner Size
Two major decisions should guide your purchase of a room air conditioner. Buy a correctly sized unit. Buy an energy-efficient unit. If the room is ... |
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Air Leakage
Select windows with air leakage ratings of 0.3 cubic feet per minute or less. |
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Air Tools: The Sky's the Limit
By making the decision to invest in an air compressor and power tools, you've automatically expanded the capability of your workshop. |
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As Is Homes
A home for sale "as is" often means repairs will be necessary. Don't write these properties off, the work may not be as bad as you expect, ... |
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Back-Up Offer
If you're bid for a house comes in second, be sure to make a backup offer. This puts you next in line if the first offer falls through. Be sure to ... |
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Baths vs Showers
Take more showers than baths. Bathing uses the most hot water in the average household. You use 15-25 gallons of hot water for a bath, but less ... |
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Bench Vises & Clamps
It's essential to outfit your workbench with an assortment of vises and clamps. They free your hands by holding your work firmly in place. Choose ... |
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Biscuit Joints
Using thin wood wafers called biscuits can strengthen wood joints by providing more glue bonding area. You can use a biscuit joiner (also called a ... |
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Brass Shopping
When shopping for brass, take along a magnet. If the magnet sticks to the item such as a lamp base, it is not real brass. If the magnet falls off, ... |
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Budget Decorating
Here's how to get the most from your home decorating efforts without breaking the bank. Look for good quality furniture with refinishing potential ... |
 
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Budget Landscaping
Bob meets with landscape designer Ruth Foster to discuss the foundation plantings. Ruth explains her material choices and cost saving measures. A ... |
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Budgeting for the Remodel
Bob talks with the contractor about the budget. |
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Buy In Bulk
When buying quantities of standard fasteners, such as screws or bolts, buy a full box anytime you will need close to a half box or more. The ... |
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Buying a Home in an Historic District
There are many advantages to buying a home in a designated historic district, including stability and resale values. Still, there’s much to learn ... |
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Buying Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is a natural material, and some types of tile are made from recycled glass (including the products listed below). When buying tile ... |
