The Honeywell VisionPro Programmable Touchscreen Thermostat at PexSupply.com

Looking for a small home improvement that yields big results? A programmable thermostat, properly installed and configured, helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperate while reducing your home’s overall energy usage.

Several factors come into play when choosing a thermostat: how much flexibility you want in the programming, your voltage requirement, and the type of heating and cooling system you have. You must also decide on a user interface. Yet another consideration is what style of mounting system suits your installation.

The primary types of thermostats are:

Heat Only. This type works only with a single heating source. According to Daniel, tech specialist at online retailer PexSupply.com, ”A programmable thermostat is a good way to lower your energy bills when using a forced hot air or baseboard heating system.”

Cool Only. This works only with a single cooling source.

Single Stage Heat/Cool. This type of thermostat controls one heating source and one cooling source—for example, a baseboard heating system and a central air conditioning system.

Multi-Stage Heat/Cool. This type of thermostat is used to control multiple heating and cooling sources—for example, a heat pump with a supplementary forced hot air backup system, plus an air conditioning system.

Electric Heat/Line Voltage. This type is used to control electric heaters or electric baseboard systems.

Heat Pump. Heat pump applications require a specialized thermostat that can handle air-source heat pumps and ground-source heat pumps.

Fan Coil. This type works with fan coil units, such as unit ventilators.

Millivolt. This type is used to regulate systems that utilize a pilot light rather than an electrical circuit (e.g., a gas-fired heater or gas fireplace).

Programmable thermostats are a desirable alternative to non-programmable models, because they allow the user to heat and cool the home based on a specific schedule. Most programmable models have four “set points”. These allow the user to define different temperatures for morning, daytime, evening and overnight. Some thermostats offer 24-hour programmability.

You can also establish different programs for different days of the week. A “7 Day”-style programmable thermostat enables you to have a different program for every day of the week. With a ”5-1-1″ model, there is a five-day program for Monday through Friday, plus a program for Saturday and a different program for Sunday. A “5-2″-style thermostat gives you a five-day program for the work week, plus a two-day program for the weekend. Most programmable thermostats also feature a manual mode, allowing overrides to whatever program may have been established already.

All thermostats run on either line voltage or low voltage. Low-voltage thermostats are connected using very thin doorbell or speaker wire. Line voltage thermostats require a heavier wire. Also available are wireless thermostats. Indoor and outdoor remote sensors can be found easily, as well. Many new thermostats are able to be programmed via internet, smartphone, or tablet.

Some thermostats come with an auto-changeover switch, which shifts the unit between heating and cooling automatically, depending on the indoor temperature. Other styles must be manually changed from heat to cool and vice versa.

Non-programmable thermostats typically have a mechanical user interface—either a rotating dial or a sliding lever. Programmable thermostats come with either a digital button and digital screen interface, or a back-lit digital touchscreen interface.

Face plates and mount styles can be horizontal, vertical, or round.

Online retailer PexSupply.com sells a wide variety of programmable thermostats, including leading brands Honeywell, White Rodgers, Robertshaw, Lux, Wirsbo and Tekmar. It also offers accessories, such as wireless interface modules, trim plates, and temperature sensors. The company has produced some helpful videos on programmable thermostats, including the one below on how to choose the right one for you:

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

How To: Choose a Programmable Thermostat Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

Photo: shutterstock.com

Ceiling fans are a wonderful addition to any room, offering a cool breeze and providing a pleasant decorative accent. However, like any appliance, ceiling fans collect dust and grime that can lead to noisy operation and, eventually, motor damage. A proactive approach to cleaning can help you keep your ceiling fan running quietly and smoothly. Here’s how:

Photo: woolshop.com

Cleaning Fan Blades

• The first step is to turn off your ceiling fan, making sure the blades have come to a complete stop. If the blades are still moving when you begin, even a soft duster can do damage.

• Fan blades should be dusted weekly. You can purchase a specialized pole duster that slides over fan blades, simultaneously cleaning both the top and bottom.

• For deeper cleaning, position a step ladder beneath the fan and carefully go over the blades with a water-moistened microfiber cloth or terry towel. Repeat with a dry cloth.

• Use a clean, dry cloth to go over the motor housing and wipe down any pull-chains.

• If you are feeling ambitious, spray the motor housing with compressed air to remove interior dust.

• Avoid bending, breaking, or warping the blades by being careful not to press down too hard.

• Never use abrasive cleaners or toxic chemicals, as these products can scratch or discolor the fan blades and motor housing.

• Do not use alcohol, baby wipes, or alkaline cleansers; these contain harsh compounds that can stain or destroy the finish on the blades.

• Once your blades are clean, use a commercial anti-static, dust-repelling spray to help them stay that way. Spray the product onto a clean microfiber cloth and wipe both sides of each blade. Make your own anti-static spray by mixing one part fabric softener to four parts water in a spray bottle.

Related: How To: Clean EVERYTHING

Photo: shutterstock.com

Cleaning Attached Light Fixtures

• Once again, make sure the fan is turned off. After removing the light bulbs, take off the glass shades by carefully turning the mounting screws counter-clockwise.

• Wash the glass shades in warm, soapy water and dry thoroughly.

• Inspect the rubberized gasket around the base of each shade. If it is worn or torn, either swap in a new gasket or use two or three heavy-duty rubber bands instead.

• Replace the glass shades, being certain that the mounting screws are finger-tight. That way, the glass will not rattle or shake when the fan is operating.

• Replace the light bulbs.

Sit back, relax, and sip a mint julep while your ceiling fan gently circulates the air!

For more on cleaning, consider:

How To: Clean Painted Walls
Top Tips for Cleaning Windows
How To: Clean Stainless Steel

Keep Ceiling Fans Clean to Ensure Smooth Operation Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

Photo: concensus.com

Next time you pull on a pair of jeans, consider this: You can use denim to keep your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Though it costs nearly twice as much as fiberglass, denim insulation (also known as cotton fiber) offers significant advantages over traditional insulation materials.

Blue and Green. If sustainability is a priority in your project, you may appreciate that denim insulation is made from post-consumer recycled natural fibers in a low carbon-footprint process. Companies collect old blue jeans and resell the loose fibers to insulation manufacturers. In this way, Bonded Logic, one of the first and largest manufacturers of denim insulation, diverts an estimated 300 tons of the material away from landfills every month.

Breathe Easier. Denim can help improve indoor air quality, because it contains no VOCs (volatile organic compounds)—chemicals that may emit polluting gases that contribute to asthma and allergies.

Ultra Touch Denim Insulation at Lowe's

Peace and Quiet. Thanks to an acoustic rating that is 30 percent higher than fiberglass, denim insulation contributes to a quieter home environment.

Lower Energy Bills. Denim insulation is available in R-values of R-13, R-19, R-21 and R-30, which means that it insulates no less well than cellulose or fiberglass insulation.

Hardwearing. Denim insulation is mold-, mildew-, and fungi-resistant. In addition, the product, typically treated with a non-toxic borate solution, boasts a Class A fire rating.

Convenience. Though it cannot be blown in, denim insulation comes in perforated batts that are as easily to install, being sized to fit between standard studs and joists.

For more on insulation, consider:

Insulation 101
Superior Insulation—for Less
Quick Tip: Proper Insulation Is Key

Green and Blue: Denim Is Eco-Friendly Insulation Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

Photo: portableairshop.com

Types of Air Conditioners
1. Window units
2. Through-the-wall units
3. Portable units
4. Central or whole-home units

Window units are the most popular air conditioners, and for DIYers, they are the easiest to install and remove. This type of air conditioner fits in a window opening and vents to the outside.

Through-the-wall units are larger and heavier than window units. Rather than sitting in a window, a through-the-wall unit rests within a weight-supporting air conditioner sleeve set into an exterior wall. Electric circuitry must be reviewed, especially in older homes, because these units often require greater amperage and voltage.

Related: 10 “Really Cool” Cooling Fans

Versatile by design, portable air conditioners—ideal for windowless spaces—exhaust through temporary ducting and can be moved from room to room.

Central or whole-home units cool the entire house at once. Frequently combined with heating for a complete HVAC system, they are the most expensive option and typically require expert installation.

Photo: shutterstock.com

Cooling Capacity of the Air Conditioner
Air conditioning capacity is measured in units called BTUs. A small window air conditioner can deliver as few as 3,000 BTUs, while a through-the-wall unit can exceed 20,000 BTUs.

Room size is perhaps the most important factor in determining the size of air conditioner you need, but consider also:

1. The number of windows in the room
2. The room’s exposure
3. The quality of room insulation
4. Other appliances that may be in use
5. The number of people in the room

Consult a handy BTU calculator to figure out exactly how many BTUs your air conditioner should have to keep your space cool.

Efficiency
Energy efficiency is measured by the Energy Efficiency Ratio rating (EER)—the ratio of the cooling capacity in BTUs per hour to the power input in watts (the higher the EER rating, the more efficient the air conditioner).

Air conditioners, especially older units, are among the most expensive appliances to run. Choosing an appropriately sized unit is critical, because a unit that is too small will not meet your cooling demands, and one that is too large will cost more to run and will not properly control humidity.

In making your decision, first identify units capable of adequately cooling your space and then purchase the one from that group with the lowest BTU capacity and the highest EER rating.

When and How to Buy
During the summer, air conditioners are an in-demand commodity, which means they are in short supply and consequently more expensive. You’ll save money if you buy during the off-season, when manufacturers frequently offer rebates.

As well, some municipalities and utility companies offer rebates on units with minimum EER ratings. And if you opt for central air, you may qualify for a tax credit to offset the purchase of an efficient whole-home HVAC system.

In general, your best bet is to buy before summer, and remember to look for a warranty.

For more on home cooling, consider:

New Air Conditioning for Old Houses
Cool Your House with Smart Landscaping
Quick Tip: Alternatives to Air Conditioning

Top Tips for Choosing an Air Conditioner Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

Photo: lowes.com

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Listen to BOB VILA ON WHOLE HOUSE FANS or read the text below:

Whole-house fans work by drawing in cool night air from open windows on lower floors, cycling it through the house and exhausting it through the attic and roof. They work best in regions with low humidity and where the temperature drops at least five degrees at night. If you mostly use your air conditioner overnight, a whole-house fan can save you a lot in energy costs.

Fans are rated by the amount of air they move, measured in cubic feet per minute. Your fan’s size will depend on your home’s volume and the desired number of air changes each hour, a figure the department of energy puts at between 30 and 60.

One note for allergy sufferers: a whole-house fan pulls in outside air, complete with pollen and dust, so it may not be ideal for you.

Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day.

For more on cooling your home, consider:

Really “Cool” Cooling Fans
New Air Conditioning for Old Houses
Quick Tip: Alternatives to Air Conditioning Your Home

Bob Vila Radio: Whole-House Fans Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

Photo: greathomepainting.com

Choosing a ceiling fan is enough to make any homeowner’s head hurt. With so many variables and options, what should you consider when choosing a ceiling fan? Here are my suggestions:

Get the Height Right
If  you’re planning the installation for a low-ceilinged room, insist on a flush-mount model (also called a “ceiling hugger”) to ensure adequate head clearance.

For average-height ceilings, using the manufacturer-supplied hanging rod should do the trick. For higher ceilings, an extension rod will lower the fan to optimal position within the room, about eight or nine feet off the floor.

Available in lengths from 12 to 72 inches, extension rods are for sale online and at home centers. To make sure its finish matches that of the fan, source the rod from the same company you buy the fan from.

Related: 10 “Really Cool” Cooling Fans

Photo: tcvillas.com

Size Your Fan to the Room 
Blade spans range from 24 to 80 inches. The American Lighting Association suggests the following guidelines:

Room Size                                              Fan Size

Up to 75 sq. ft.                                      36 inches or smaller

75 to 144 sq. ft.                                     36 to 42 inches

144 to 225 sq. ft.                                   44 to 50 inches

225 to 400 sq. ft.                                  50 to 54 inches

For very large rooms with high ceilings, fans with 60- to 80-inch blade spans are available. Large-sized fans are as much about scale as function in meeting the requirements of a large space.

Place Your Fan Properly
Ceiling fans don’t actually lower room temperatures; they cool by creating a breeze. Install them in places where you spend the most time. Good spots are over the bed or above family-room or kitchen seating.

Honeywell 40015 Combo Wall and Handheld Remote Ceiling Fan Control

Consider Control Options 
Do you want to control the fan from a wall switch, a remote, or a good old-fashioned pull chain? You may not have a choice. Mode of operation depends on the fan that you choose. Tastes vary, but there is certainly something to be said for the convenience of a remote that enables you to change fan speed (or ceiling-fan light fixture settings) effortlessly.

Note: It’s a good idea to keep the ceiling fan on a separate circuit from lighting. If both are on the same circuit, you won’t be able to run your fan when the lights are off (especially important in the bedroom).

Shop Online 
The universe of ceiling fans is amazingly big! Don’t settle for the limited selection to be found in brick-and-mortar stores, especially if you need a fan with small blades or a model suited for cathedral or vaulted ceilings.

My favorite Web site for ceiling fans is Hansen Wholesale. Think of it as a sort of Consumer Reports. For each product it sells, Hansen offers information on motor quality, CFM (air movement measured in cubic feet per minute) output, energy efficiency and other pertinent data.

The ratings graphs show the average rating in each category, so you know immediately how the fan you’re considering stacks up. Hansen also includes an excellent ceiling-fan size calculator.

For more on AC and cooling, consider:

Buying and Installing a Room Air Conditioner
Quick Tip: Alternatives to Air Conditioning
Cool Your House with Smart Landscaping

How To: Choose a Ceiling Fan Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

ViegaPEX Press Starter Kit from PexSupply.com

Polyethylene cross-linked tubing, better known as PEX, is a fine addition to the industrious do-it-yourself plumber’s arsenal. Inexpensive to buy and surprisingly versatile, PEX is also relatively easy to install. No complex soldering or messy gluing is required, and the tubing can be easily “fished” through walls and around corners—try that with copper or PVC pipe!

More than 20 different types of PEX are on the market, each suited to a specific plumbing or heating job, so knowing which PEX product to pick for your project is important.

Non-Oxygen Barrier PEX
Most plumbing applications, especially those involving potable water, call for the use of non-oxygen barrier PEX, offered in several grades. PEX-A, which has the most flexible tubing and best freeze- and kink resistance, is ideal for use with kitchen and bath fixtures. PEX-B is slightly less flexible and less freeze-resistant.

Both types of tubing come in three colors—red, white, and blue—in diameters ranging from 1/4-inch to 3 inches. While the tubing is the same regardless of color, it does make it easier to differentiate between hot and cold water lines by choosing red or blue tubing.  For indoor plumbing, the most common PEX tubing is one half-inch, which boasts a higher flow rate than copper pipe of the same size. For outdoor applications, “sleeved” versions of non-oxygen barrier PEX are readily available.

Oxygen Barrier PEX
Since oxygen can cause many heating system components to rust and corrode, baseboard or radiant heating applications require the use of oxygen barrier PEX, offered in grades of PEX-A and PEX-B. The 1/2-inch size is most commonly used; 3/8-, 5/8- and 3/4-inch sizes are also available.

Aluminum Barrier PEX
Also known as PEX-AL-PEX, aluminum barrier PEX is three-layer tubing that consists of a layer of PEX, a layer of aluminum, and another layer of PEX. Its primary benefit is that once bent, PEX-AL-PEX holds its shape and doesn’t need to be tied down every few feet.

The aluminum layer doubles as an oxygen barrier, which in concert with its lower expansion rate, makes PEX-AL-PEX suitable for use in outdoor, warmboard, or high-temperature heating systems.

Fittings and More
Once you’ve determined which type of PEX tubing you need, you will need to choose the fittings. The easiest to use are brass push-fit fittings, which simply “bite” into the tubing. Though they are more expensive, SharkBite fittings require no special tools, making them ideal for smaller jobs and repair projects. Other types of fittings used with PEX are crimp, clamp, press and compression, any of which are less expensive but require specialized tools.

Online retailer PexSupply.com sells a wide variety of PEX Tubing, fittings, and tools. The company has produced a helpful video that provides more information about choosing and using PEX tubing for your next project:

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

Which PEX Is Best? The Right Tubing for Any Job Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

Belkin Conserve Socket

1. Conserve. According to the EPA’s Energy Star program, vampire power accounts for more than $10 billion per year in energy costs. While “vampire power” might sound like the latest anemic thriller from Hollywood, the term actually refers to the energy some devices use, when they are switched off but still plugged in. Belkin’s Conserve Socket helps battle the electricity-suckers in a simple and easy-to-use way (that doesn’t involve garlic). Simply plug one of these $10 devices into the wall, set the switch to one-half, three, or six hours, and press the start button. The socket shuts off all power after the programmed time. In addition to vanquishing vampire power drain, Conserve works great for an air conditioner or fan you don’t need to run all night, or for a curling iron or coffeemaker you’re afraid you might forget to turn off in the morning. In other words, both energy and stress are saved.

 

SafePlug

2. SafePlug. Though it’s a more costly and labor-intensive option, SafePlug has additional features that make it worth a look. Initially, the product developers were driven to create a power outlet that would stop fires caused by appliances and other electrical devices. Their research showed that the circuit-breaker systems in most homes do little to prevent fires triggered by overloaded outlets. Thus, the SafePlug system moves the protection of a breaker directly to the wall. Most home DIYers can probably handle its installation. Setup involves replacing the wall outlet, plus installing a small “tag” in the plug of any device plugged into that outlet. SafePlug instantly cuts power if something goes wrong, and it also prevents kids from getting shocks and burns if they insert something like a paper clip or metal toy.

Smart Strip 7-Outlet Energy-Saving Surge Protector

3. Smart Strip. This well-named power strip delivers a unique approach to saving energy. Plug a main device, such as a TV or computer, into the blue outlet on the strip, then plug peripheral devices like printers, speakers, and receivers into the strip’s “switched outlets.” When you turn off the main device, the strip automatically cuts power to the peripherals. The Smart Strip includes three “hot” outlets for plugging in devices you want continuously powered. In addition, a substantial 2,225 joules of surge protection are provided.

360 Electrical 4-Outlet Rotating Surge Protector

4. 360 Electrical Rotating Surge Protector. If you’ve ever faced the frustration of not being able to fit two bulky plugs into a standard outlet at once, this is the device for you. Simply plug it into any wall outlet and it provides four grounded (three-prong) outlets that swivel a full 360 degrees. That means you can rotate a plug until it plays nicely with the other plugs around it. The outlet also acts as a surge protector. Do you travel a lot? Be sure to check out the company’s Mobile Surge Protector, which turns typical hotel-room outlets into “revolutionary” wonders with two sockets and two USB-charging slots.

SwitchLinc Remote Control Dimmer from Insteon

5. Insteon Remote Control Dimmer. Insteon manufactures two outlets that create instant mood lighting. One is a plug-in module, and the other is a replacement outlet you wire directly into the wall. Both let you plug in any lamp with a load up to 300 watts, which you can then dim to 32 different brightness levels using any Insteon remote control. It’ll let you see your surroundings in a whole new light!

For more on electrical, consider:

Bob Vila Radio: Extra Outlets
12 Ways to Put Your Home on an Energy Diet—TODAY!
Bob Vila Radio: Electrical Outlet Inspection

Creative Outlets: 5 “Energy Smart” Options Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

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

Photo: fichman.com

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Listen to BOB VILA ON RADIATOR COVERS or read the text below:

Aside from the cosmetic benefit of hiding a flaking eyesore, a radiator cover can help protect children and pets from burns. Covers also keep the radiator clean and free of dust, which can help improve their efficiency. When the radiator is cool, the cover itself provdes a handy surface for photos, books, and plants.

Whether you opt for building your own or ordering a custom cover, make sure that it’s properly designed. There should be a grille or slats on the front to direct heat into the room and gaps at the top and bottom to encourage air flow. Reflective material on the inside back of the radiator cover will help reflect heat into the room. Covers come in styles from simple metal to handcrafted wooden beauties that add warm decorative accents to your room.

Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day.

For more on heating, consider:

Heating Systems 101
12 New Designs to Change Your Mind About Radiators
Quick Tip: Radiant Heat has the Other Options Beat

Bob Vila Radio: Radiator Covers Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com