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DIY - Home Maintenance and Upgrade Projects

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Attic

DIY Guide:

Air Seal and Insulate Attic Access

Openings used for access to the attic such as access panels, doors into knee walls, or dropdown stairs should be air-sealed and insulated. 
Openings used for access to the attic such as access panels, doors into knee walls, or dropdown stairs should be air-sealed and insulated.
DIY Guide:

Air Seal Flue Shafts and Chimneys in Attic

Furnace and chimney flues often have large gaps around them that allow air leakage from the home into the attic . (Source: Family Handyman)
Use heat-resistant caulk and sheet metal to air seal flues and chimneys in the attic.
DIY Guide:

Look For and Install Attic Vent Baffles

Look at the attic to make sure there are baffles in place at soffit vents to keep wind from blowing insulation; if they are missing install them.
Look at the attic to make sure there are baffles in place at soffit vents to keep wind from blowing insulation; if they are missing install them.
DIY Guide:

Look for Missing Insulation Using Thermal Imaging

Looking at your home with an infrared (IR) camera can reveal missing insulation and air leakage.
Looking at your home with an infrared (IR) camera can reveal missing insulation and air leakage.

Appliances & Lighting

DIY Guide:

Check Refrigerator Temperature

This is a typical refrigerator thermometer showing ideal temperature ranges for both refrigerators and freezers
To ensure both food safety and energy efficiency, the refrigerator and freezer temperatures should be checked regularly using a refrigerator thermometer.
DIY Guide:

Clean Dryer Exhaust

Home Maintenance: Clean Dryer Exhaust
Cleaning your dryer duct annually will make your clothes dry faster, save energy, and could prevent a fire.
DIY Guide:

Clean Refrigerator Condenser Coils

To maximize the life of your refrigerator, ensure your refrigerator cools your food down quickly, and save energy, it is important to clean the condenser coils behind or below the refrigerator every 6 to 12 months.
To maximize the life of your refrigerator, ensure your refrigerator cools your food down quickly, and save energy, it is important to clean the condenser coils behind or below the refrigerator every 6 to 12 months.
DIY Guide:

Install a High-Efficiency Clothes Washer

This high-efficiency front loading washer is ENERGY STAR certified to use 45% less energy and 50% less water than standard brands.
Install a high-efficiency ENERGY STAR-certified clothes washer.
DIY Guide:

Install a Ventless Clothes Dryer or Combo Washer-Dryer

Ventless heat pump clothes dryers use one-third the energy of regular electric dryers and don’t require a vent to the outside.
Install a ventless heat pump clothes dryer or combination washer/dryer for energy savings and space savings.
DIY Guide:

Look at a Ductless Heat Pump for Deep Cleaning

This mini-split heat pump needs to be checked to see if it needs deep cleaning.
Ductless heat pumps should be checked periodically to see if they need a deep cleaning to remove dust and mold and keep them operating efficiently.
DIY Guide:

Upgrade Linear Fluorescents to LEDs

Replacing linear fluorescent bulbs with long-lasting LED lamps can save money and provide better lighting (Source: Ed Louie Photography).
Converting your existing fluorescent fixtures to LED technology offers improved energy efficiency and longer bulb life. This guide demonstrates the step-by-step process for safely rewiring a linear fluorescent light fixture to accommodate LED tubes.