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Improving Home Energy Efficiency: Insulation, Weatherproofing and Programmable Thermostat A Florida couple learns how to lower their utility bills and beat the heat. From "Finders Fixers" episode DFFX-111

Better attic insulation will dramatically improve cooling and heating efficiency, and save you money.

Stuart and Sarah Sloan's home is a hothouse. To battle the high energy bills, they just sweat out the balmy Florida summers. That is until Wally Conway, home inspector and host of DIY's Finders Fixers, helps them through an energy audit to find out why their home is using and losing so much energy. The audit includes a power company blower test.

Once they've identified specific problem spots, Conway helps the Sloans better cool their home and save money at the same time by making the house more energy efficient.

First up, Stuart learns how to re-insulate his home, picking up some tips and tricks on adding an extra layer of blown insulation to his attic. The couple also gets advice on replacing jalousie glass in a louvered door and improving energy efficiency with a programmable thermostat.

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	Figure A
	Figure B

Fix #1: Adding Roof Insulation

Materials:

loose fiberglass insulation
portable insulation blower
gloves
face-mask

Steps:

• Before you add any insulation to your attic, you need to know how much insulation (R-value) is already there and what is recommended for your area. Refer to the resources listed below for more information.

• Once you’ve determined how many bags of insulation you’ll need, you’re ready to start. For this job, you’ll need two people. One person to man the hopper and keep it full, and the other person to man the hose in the attic. Be sure to wear a face-mask and gloves for safety (figures A and B ).
  

• Once the hopper is turned on, keep the hose moving to ensure even distribution. You can use your hand over the hose like a baffle to help control the flow of insulation (figures C, D and E ).

  Figure C

  Figure D

  Figure E

  
  
  
  

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  RELATED PROJECTS: Home Energy Savings -- Do-It-Yourself Home Inspection Home Energy Savings -- Windows and Doors Home Energy Savings -- Aluminum Storm Door Home Energy Savings -- Replacement Window, Part 1 Home Energy Savings -- Replacement Window, Part 2 Home Energy Savings -- Tips for Special Problem Areas Home Energy Savings -- Combination Storm Window Home Energy Savings -- Installing Fiberglass Insulation Home Energy Savings -- Ventilation and Insulation Basics Home Energy Savings -- Basement, Water Heater and Pipes Home Energy Savings -- Blown-In Cellulose Insulation Home Energy Savings -- Furnace Inspection and Tune-Up Home Energy Savings -- Digital Programmable Thermostat Home Energy Savings -- Uneven Temperatures and Controlling Air-Flow

  
  

  ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
  	Improving Home Energy Efficiency: Insulation, Weatherproofing and Programmable Thermostat