| The Project | The Disappointment | The Trick of The Trade |
| Project #1: Sealing ductwork to save money. | Leaky ductwork can lead to 10-30% energy loss (Southface Energy Institute). Never use duct tape for sealing ducts, because heat will cause it to lose its adhesion, become brittle and quickly degrade. | To seal seams in ducts always use aluminum foil tape, which can be molded to irregular shaped surfaces and will stay in place without losing its adhesion. |
| Project #2: Adding extra insulation for savings. | Adding insulation beyond a certain thickness becomes less and less cost effective and it could take decades to make back your investment. | Consider a non-do-it-yourself option to address air leakage in your home for far greater energy savings. Installing an insulation/air barrier material like Icynene can reduce energy costs by up to 50%. See why at www.InsulationSmart.com |
| Project #3: Painting over oil-based paint. | Painting latex over oil paint without proper preparation will lead to wasted effort and money because the paint will peel. | To paint latex over oil apply a super adherent primer first to prevent peeling. |
| Project #4: Installing or repairing sub-floors. | Sub-floors that are only nailed down can lead to buckling, cracked tiles or damaged hardwood. | Installing or repairing sub-floors as preparation for new hardwood, tiles, etc.? Screw and glue them in place for a much stronger, more stable floor. |
| Project #5: Installing recessed lights in an insulated ceiling. | In cold climates, air leakage around recessed light fixtures will cause heat to roar into the attic, will melt snow on the roof and lead to ice dams. | Always use air-tight recessed light fixtures when they lead to an insulated roof space. |
| Project #6: Caulking for energy savings. | Most home exteriors (brick, vinyl, aluminum) are ventilated so cold air flows behind it. Plugging up holes outside your home will not save energy and can interfere with water drainage if not done correctly. | Air sealing for energy conservation is done inside the home. You can learn more about energy savings with air-sealing at www.InsulationSmart.com |
| Project #7: Changing windows. | Installing new windows creates a tighter building shell, locking in excess moisture generated from activities like showering and cooking. This can lead to problems with mold and poor indoor air quality. | If you are replacing old windows remember that you'll likely be sealing up major air leaks too. Always consider mechanical ventilation as part of the process. |
| Project #8: Insulating water pipes. | Insulating hot water pipes is ineffective because the pipes become cold anyway when water is not running through them. | Only use pipe insulation for cold water pipes to keep them from sweating in the summer time. |
| Project #9: Making plumbing connections. | Compression fittings are common in home plumbing (under dishwashers, behind refrigerators, for toilet shutoff valves, etc.). They're easy to use, but can lead to big water leaks if you don't use them properly. | When using compression fittings never:
• over tighten the fitting which can distort the tube and create leaks
• use the same compression fitting twice
• lengthen piping using a double compression fitting
• use them where they could loosen with movement
Remember to:
• lubricate the compression nut before fitting and push the pipe deeply into the fixture before tightening the nut
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| Project #10: Installing a ceiling fan. | Don't confuse a dimmer switch with a ceiling fan speed control switch. Using a lighting dimmer switch (designed to work with lighting) to control a ceiling fan motor can create a fire hazard by overheating. | Check your fan manual for the proper switches to control your ceiling fan motor and lights. |
