Illustration: idevelop.ie

Looking to cut energy costs and improve home comfort? Focus on your heating and cooling systems. While it is imperative to choose an Energy Star-certified unit properly sized for your home, a variety of factors influence the effectiveness of your system, according to the experts at Lennox. And some of those factors, it turns out, have very little to do with areas of the home that you actually live in.

Your attic is the primary buffer zone between the conditioned air of your home and the roof that shields your dwelling from the elements. If your attic is not properly insulated and ventilated, then your home may be losing heat in the winter and cool air in summer. As a result, your furnace and air conditioning units may be working harder than necessary to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.

Proper attic insulation is key to ensuring that you pay no more than necessary to run your HVAC equipment. Requirements vary by region, but for most attics, the recommended R-value is up to R-38, or about ten to 14 inches, depending on insulation type.

Insulation alone won’t do the trick. Attic ventilation also plays an important role in optimizing your home’s heating and cooling performance. In winter, a natural flow of outdoor air helps the attic stay cool, reducing the risk of ice dams and related roof damage. In summer, the same ventilation—in some cases aided by an attic fan—helps usher out superheated air, reducing its burden on air conditioning.

Take note: One of the biggest mistakes that homeowners make when installing insulation is blocking the flow of air at the eaves. Not only does this compromise the insulation’s effectiveness in winter, but also, the combination of blocked vents, poor insulation, and an operational attic fan could mean you’re paying to air-condition the attic—something you certainly don’t want to do!

The condition of your crawl space also impacts the overall efficiency of your heating and cooling system. Years ago, it was common practice to insulate the floor above the crawl space and to keep the wall vents open so that any moisture buildup would vent to the outside.

Particularly in climates with humid summers, the reality was that vents actually allowed moisture in, and that moisture would eventually degrade the crawl space’s insulation. Energy experts today advise that crawl spaces be included in a home’s conditioned space. That way, condensation is eliminated, energy loss from air ducts is reduced, and in winter, thanks to drafts being prevented, first-level floors remain warmer.

Looking for more ways to improve home comfort and save energy, check out the video below:

This post has been brought to you by Lennox. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila.com.

For more on HVAC, consider:

Insulation 101
Bob Vila Radio: Mechanical Ventilation
What You Might Not Know About HVAC Filters

Let Your Attic Help Improve Home Comfort Year Round Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

ENTER BOB VILA’S “APRIL SHOWERS” GIVE-AWAY

Today and every day in April (until 11:59 a.m. EST, May 1, 2013), you can enter to win one of four Delta shower heads (options shown below) in addition to a $2,000 Visa gift card!

Delta's (clockwise from top left) In2ition® Two-in-One Shower, Dryden, Contemporary, and Transitional shower heads, each with H2Okinetic Technology

Each shower head features Delta’s H₂Okinetic™ technology—an innovative internal system that controls the speed, movement, and water droplet size to create a custom shower experience like no other. The shower actually sculpts water into a unique wave pattern that provides more coverage, more intensity, and more warmth (since the larger water droplets retain their temperature longer). Best of all, you get the feeling of more water without actually using more water.

So, go ahead: CHOOSE YOUR SHOWER HEAD and seize your opportunity to win $2,000. Remember, you can enter Bob Vila’s “April Showers” Give-Away daily to increase your odds of winning.

To learn more about Delta H₂0Kinetics, click here.

The “Bob Vila’s Spring Showers from Delta Faucet” sweepstakes is open only to permanent legal U.S. residents of the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia; residents of Alaska and Hawaii are not eligible. Void in all other geographic locations. No purchase necessary. Contest Period runs from 12:00 p.m. (EST) Monday, April 1, 2013 through 11:59 a.m. (EST) Wednesday, May 1, 2013. One entry per household per day on BobVila.com. Alternative means of entry for Drawing is available by faxing your name and address to 508-437-8486 during the applicable Entry Period. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. In the event that Winner fails to provide Sponsor with a choice of shower head, Winner’s prize package will include the Default Selection. See Official Rules.

Enter to Win Our “April Showers” Give-Away Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

Caesars Palace. Photo: LABworks360

What could the grandeur of a Roman fountain and an end-of-days bomb shelter possibly have in common? Must be time for the annual NAHB International Builders’ Show, held this year (January 22-24) in Las Vegas, NV. The event, which draws builders, contractors, manufacturers and industry professionals from around the country and the world, is renowned for showcasing the latest in new building products, materials, technology, trends and innovations.

While we were hard-pressed to cover the entire 360,000 square feet of exhibition space, we were able to discover some true show-stoppers. Here are ten of them to whet your appetite.

1. Moxie from Kohler

Photo: Kohler

If you’re looking for another way to bring music to your bath (and actual bathing experience), consider the Moxie showerhead from Kohler. With a shower head that acts as a docking device, the wireless magnetic speaker syncs directly to your Bluetooth-enabled devices.

2. Formica’s 100 Collection

Photo: Formica

Years ago, Formica was known for its striking array of solid-color laminates. Now, 100 years after its founding, the company introduces an Anniversary Collection that brings back some of its vintage color offerings, but updated with sophisticated modern design statements, like Ellipse, Endless, Dotscreen and Halftone.

3. Heat & Glo’s Revo

Photo: Heat & Glo

The new REVO Series from Heat & Glo combines a super-slim profile with sleek contemporary styling. Available in square, linear, and vertical styles, the wall-mounted, direct-vent gas fireplaces require no footprint and feature the company’s patented Razor burner technology.

4. DaVinci’s Bellaforte Shingle

Photo: DaVinci

For those looking for the beauty of natural shake shingles—without the vulnerabilities and maintenance requirements of real wood—DaVinci serves up an amazing lookalike in its Bellaforte Shake Shingle. Made with a proprietary, engineered polymer and designed for quick self-alignment, the roofing is available in five color blends.

5. Eldorado Stone’s Artisan Fire Bowls

Photo: Eldorado Stone

Made from glass-reinforced concrete and hand-sanded through a four-step finishing process, the new line of Artisan Fire Bowls from Eldorado Stone is sure to enhance any outdoor living space. Available in two styles, four colors, and two surface finishes, bowls ship complete with CSA-certified gas components.

6. Armstrong’s American Scrape

Photo: Armstrong Flooring

The American Scrape hardwood flooring from Armstrong is distinctive for its five-inch-wide planks and authentic, hand-scraped surface treatment. Available in domestic hickory (known for its rustic character and superior hardness) or oak, the Kentucky-made flooring comes in both engineered and solid wood applications, in a wide range of finishes.

7. GE Appliances Slate

Photo: GE Appliances

Move over stainless! GE Appliances showcases its new Slate finish—a warm, grey metallic with a low-gloss finish that is sure to complement a variety of wall colors, cabinet finishes, and countertop materials. It also proves a good partner with black, white, and the formidable stainless.

8. Daltile’s Intertwine Series

Daltile Intertwine Reflection. Photo: LABworks360

With its undulating design and basket-weave pattern, the Intertwine Series of glass and stone mosaic tiles from Daltile provides a sophisticated backsplash solution. The collection is available in eight color blends, including Reflection, shown here.

9. CertainTeed WeatherBoard

CertainTeed WeatherBoard Lap Siding. Photo: LABworks360

The TrueTexture wood grain appearance of CertainTeed’s Fiber-Cement WeatherBoard Lap Siding is achieved by using an advanced first-transfer system of real cedar boards. It is available in a choice of five textures, 22 solid colors, and six natural wood stains.

10. Atlas Bomb Shelter

Atlas Survival Shelter. Photo: LABworks360

In follow-up to my early reference to end-of-days, this Survival Shelter from Atlas was on display for visitors to see, tour, and experience. Made of galvanized corrugated pipe, it can be buried up to 42 feet deep and has a lifespan of 200 years. Plenty of time for home/shelter improvements, should the need arise.

For more building products and trends, consider:

Pendant Lighting 101
10 Low-Cost Ways to Improve Your Home Security
Go Ductless with a Mini-Split Heat Pump

10 Show-Stoppers from Las Vegas Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

Starting today and every day through the month of January (until 11:59 p.m. EST, Thursday January 31, 2013), you can ENTER TO WIN a new Amana 3.6 cu. ft. High-Efficiency Washer with Stainless Steel Wash Basket, valued at $649 (MSRP), and 7.0 cu. ft. Traditional Dryer with Interior Drum Light, valued at $479 (MSRP).

Amana® 3.6 cu. ft. High Efficiency Washer and 7.0 cu. ft. Traditional Dryer.

The 3.6 cu. ft. ENERGY STAR-qualified, top load washer uses up to 73% less water and 84% less energy compared to older traditional models. So, over time, you not only help conserve natural resources, but save on utility costs as well. A low-water wash system delivers optimal cleaning with as little as 13 gallons of water. The stainless steel basket is designed to resist scratches and rust that can contribute to snags and stains over time.  And, in addition to 12 wash cycle options, the washer features auto load sensing and auto temperature control.

The companion dryer—available in gas or electric—easily handles large loads with its 7.0 cu. ft. capacity drum.  And that translates into less time in the laundry room for you.  An automatic dryness control sensor helps monitor temperatures, automatically stopping the cycle when fabrics are dry to help reduce shrinking and energy.  And, since finding those wayward socks in the dryer is always an issue, this one is outfitted with not only a wide-opening swing door, but an interior light drum.  Brilliant!

ENTER NOW and each day through the end of January to increase your chances of winning Bob Vila’s “2013 Love Your Laundry” Give-Away.

To learn more about the full line of Amana products, click here.

The “Bob Vila’s 2013 Love Your Laundry Giveaway” sweepstakes is open only to permanent legal U.S. residents of the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia; residents of Alaska and Hawaii  are not eligible. Void in all other geographic locations. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Contest Period runs from 12:00 a.m. (EST) Tuesday, December 25, 2012 through 11:59 (EST) Thursday, January 31, 2013. One entry per household per day on BobVila.com. Alternative means of entry for Drawing is available by faxing your name and address to 508-437-8486 during the applicable Entry Period. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. See Official Rules.

ENTER TO WIN This Amana Washer & Dryer! Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

The Things That Matter

Photo: Spiegel & Grau

In designer Nate Berkus‘s recently released The Things That Matter, we are reminded of how one’s personal experiences shape who they are and how they live. Berkus fills the book with intimate stories of his childhood, introduces us to people who influenced him and encouraged him along the way, and opens up about the remarkable experiences that have changed him forever. Readers get a personal glimpse into Berkus’s home as well as 12 others, from a sleek metal-and-glass high-rise in Chicago to a rustic cottage in the Hudson Valley. Each property proves a revealing portrait of its owners lives and of the inspiring choices that shaped them. More…

Young House Love

Photo: A Beautiful Mess

In 2006, armed with a can-do attitude and zero formal training, husband-and-wife duo John and Sherry Petersik embarked on an ambitious home improvement journey. Six years, two whole-house renovations, and one enormously successful blog later, the Petersiks decided to move their crafty ideas from the computer screen to the glossy pages of a beautiful book. Young House Love: 243 Ways to Paint, Craft, Update & Show Your Home Some Love is a fun and upbeat source of inspiration. With instructive images accompanying each easy-to-read project guide, renters and homeowners alike will find themselves seeing new possibilities for every forgotten corner at home. More…

Houses of the Presidents

Photo: Little, Brown

Anyone who has gone through a major remodel knows that estimates are likely to run a tad long. If it brings any comfort, even Presidents have had to endure the same misery: It took Thomas Jefferson 54 years to complete his beloved Monticello! In Houses of the Presidents: Childhood Homes, Family Dwellings, Private Escapes, and Grand Estates, you’ll find a wealth of additional information on the homes (birthplaces, residences, retreats) of the American Presidents—from George Washington’s Mount Vernon to Punachou Circle Apartments in Honolulu, where Barack Obama lived with his grandmother. Author Hugh Howard, co-author of several Bob Vila books, weaves an intimate portrait that combines architectural history with intimate family stories and political lore to shed light on the men who have occupied the nation’s highest office. Color photographs by Roger Straus III bring these homes and furnishings vividly to life. More…

For more holiday gift ideas, consider:

Bob Vila’s 2012 Gift Guide: For the DIY Mom
Bob Vila’s 2012 Gift Guide: For the DIY Dad
Bob Vila’s 2012 Gift Guide: For the Gardener

Books for the Love of Home Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

Photo: theinnovationdiaries.com

We hear a lot about lighting and energy efficiency, but can the right light bulb really be effective in reducing monthly bills and utility consumption? Yes, it can!

According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star site, if every American home replaced just one light bulb with a bulb bearing the Energy Star label, we would save enough energy to light 3 million homes for a year, save roughly $600 million in annual energy costs, and prevent 9 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to those from about 800,000 cars.

For more on lighting, consider:

Light Bulbs: The Shape of Things to Come
Smart New Choices for Outdoor Lighting
How To: Save Money and Electricity

Did You Know? Bulb Matters Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

In the spirit of the holiday season, do something to give back to your community this December. The Family Handyman, one of the most respected media brands in home improvement, has teamed up with IKEA® for its 2nd Annual Rescue Remodel Contest. From now until December 15, 2012, communities can nominate their local organizations—firehouses, boys and girls clubs, soup kitchens, food pantries, etc.—to win an IKEA kitchen makeover valued at $25,000.

Entries must explain in 500 words or less how the renovation will benefit the local organization and the community, along with what makes the group truly deserving of the makeover. Nominees must be active community organizations and part of a not-for-profit group to qualify. The winning organization will receive a fully customized kitchen—from new cabinets and appliances, to cookware and food storage—from IKEA.

A panel from The Family Handyman will select the five top community organizations from those nominated. The vote will then be open to the public from February 1 until March 30, 2013. A winner will be selected on April 12, 2013, and the completed kitchen unveiled in the magazine’s September’s issue and on its website, as well as on www.RescueRemodel.com

To find out more, including official rules and how to submit a nomination, visit Rescue Remodel—but you only have until December 15th to nominate your community organization.

Calling All Nominations for the 2nd Annual Family Handyman-IKEA “Rescue Remodel” Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

Photo: tonipilsbury.com

With so many dishes and serving utensils, not to mention the number of guests, Thanksgiving puts your dining room to the true test. Here are eight ways to get more out of the space, maximizing your enjoyment of the meal and the day’s family joys.

1. Clear the space. If the dining room is filled with non-essentials—in a small dining room that could mean everything but table and chairs—clear it out for the holiday. This “less is more” approach will make the room seem more spacious, and a spacious room is more comfortable. Also, removing unnecessary furniture will place emphasis on the table, which seems only right.

2. Set up a buffet. Take the burden off your dining room by serving food in the kitchen on a table, countertop, or island. For second helpings, guests can simply return to the kitchen, or hosts might take a mid-meal lap around the table.

Farmhouse Dining Bench at Target for $79

3. Ride the bench. If big, bulky chairs are occupying more than their fair share of space in your dining room, consider using a bench along one side of the table to accommodate one or two additional guests. It’s a family holiday, after all; closeness is fitting. You might also think about renting chairs that are more compact than your existing furniture.

4. Extend the table. Most dining tables are made in standard sizes of 36″W x 72″L with one leaf. You can extend the width one foot and the length an extra 24 inches by simply placing a sheet of standard plywood on top. With a tablecloth draped over the surface, you won’t know the difference.

Photo: Livewell360

5. Limit table decor. As tempting as it may be to adorn your table with an elaborate centerpiece or grouping of candles, decor can quickly become clutter if space is short. Opt for minimal ornament and make the most of your table’s total surface area.

6. Establish a kids table. It’s been done before, and usually youngsters prefer to be on their own anyway. If your guest list overwhelms your dining room’s capacity, consider creating a satellite table even for adults.

Photo: trendybride.com

7. Take it outside. If you are fortunate enough to live in a warmer climate, why not move the feast outdoors? You can always use the dining room table as a buffet station, then enjoy the meal on a deck or patio—even by the pool.

8. Rethink the space. If your extended table is a tight fit for your dining room, brainstorm ways to position it differently. If you position the table diagonally, it might give guests on the end a little more breathing room, or even free up space for a couple more chairs.

For more on entertaining at home, consider:

10 Secrets to Successful Holiday Decorating
10 Home Movie Theater Accessories
Easy DIY Buffet Table Makeover

8 Ways to Make the Most of Your Dining Room Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

Weather.com Hurricane Sandy Threat Index

If you are among the estimated 50 million people in the path of Hurricane Sandy, you are hopefully heeding the warning of local authorities and taking disaster preparedness seriously. That may include evacuation if you live in a flood-prone area or of course anywhere where a mandatory evacuation notice has been issued.

The rare hybrid storm, currently off the coast of Cape Hatteras, NC, is expected to make landfall along the central New Jersey coast sometime this evening, bringing with it extended periods of heavy rain, tropical storm-force winds, and a potentially historic tidal surge along the East Coast (including Long Island Sound and New York Harbor), according to the National Weather Service.

The main thing is to stay indoors during the worst of the storm and out of the way of flying debris. And remember, live wires and other ground hazards are dangerous even after the storm.

Photo: mysouthwestga.com

While you might be hard-pressed to install storm shutters or a power generator at this point, basic disaster preparedness guidelines will help you weather the storm safely at home:

• Stock up on bottled water and non-perishable foods. (Fill up bathtubs and pots and pans for non-drinking water needs.)

• If you have pets, be sure to take into account their needs. You can find more information at Pet Prep for Hurricane Sandy.

• Make sure that flashlights have working batteries, and that candles are at the ready should the power go out.

• Assemble a first-aid kit and be sure to fill necessary drug prescriptions.

• Secure a hand-crank or battery-operated radio to stay apprised of news and weather reports during possible power outages.

• If you are lucky enough to have a generator, make certain it is fueled and operational.

• Make sure your cell phone and other necessary mobile devices are fully charged.

• Secure or store everything that can become airborne from decks, patios, and balconies.

• Make sure your sump pump is in working order; if you don’t have one—get one.

• Place valuables and important papers in a waterproof container and store them on the highest floor of your house.

• If you don’t have a garage, park your car where it can be sheltered by a building (but away from trees).

If you are advised to evacuate, be sure to leave when you are instructed to and follow all directions and orders from local officials. Remember, by refusing to leave you are not only putting yourself at potential risk, but also first-responders who may be called into service.

For more on disaster preparedness, consider:

Be Prepared for Natural Disasters
Bracing for Irene—Hurricane Readiness
Bob Vila Radio: Storm-Ready Roofs

Hurricane Sandy: Disaster Preparedness Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

"Home for a Large Dog"

The Bob Vila “Best in Show” Doghouse Contest has turned up some pretty stiff competition, but there are still four days left for you to enter and win.

Simply send us a good, clear picture along with your email address and a short description. If your doghouse is chosen by our editors as “Best in Show” from all of the canine quarters submitted (see Official Rules below), you’ll win a $250 gift card from PetSmart and have your pet’s abode featured on BobVila.com. The deadline is rapidly approaching (contest closes 11:59 a.m. Thursday, October  18, 2012), so enter today!

Here are just a few of the top contenders. Do you think we’ve found our winner? Let us know.

"Rustic Mansion for Country Dogs"

"Toto's Playhouse"

"Nikki's Cottage"

The “Bob Vila ‘Best in Show’ Doghouse Contest” is open only to permanent legal U.S. residents. Void in all other geographic locations. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Contest Period begins at 12:00 p.m. EDT on September 27, 2012 and ends at 11:59 a.m. EDT on October 18, 2012 . One entry per household on BobVila.com. Contestants must submit their name, email address and a photograph of their doghouse, as well as a title and brief description. Winner will be chosen by the BobVila editing team based on the following criteria: creativity/originality, craftsmanship, environmental consciousness and appeal to dogs. Winner will receive one (1) Petsmart Gift Card with a retail value of $250.00, subject to any and all restrictions stated thereon. Odds of winning are dependent on the number of eligible entries received. See Official Rules for details.

Last Call for Doghouse Photos! ENTER NOW Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com