We all enjoy our homes and are constantly trying to come up with ideas to improve them. While there are many things we can do to improve the design and function of our homes, there are some things you can do to improve your carbon footprint, comfort and value of your house, while at the same time saving you on your energy bills.
Insulation is one home improvement that will do just that. Essentially it involves using certain materials to reduce the thermal exchange between the inside and outside of the building. If you live in a cold climate in winter you want to keep the heat in as much as possible. On the other hand, should you live in a hot climate in the summer, you will want to keep the cool air-conditioned air inside as much as is possible.
There are many categories of insulation and they all vary in size and cost of the project. For example, installing triple glazed windows is a large undertaking that will be beyond the average home improvement enthusiast. It is also a very expensive job to do, but it may be well worth the investment, especially if you have very old double or even single glazing.
But there are quite a few things that you can do to improve the insulation in your home, without having to invest large amounts of money or hire expensive contractors. One such project is increasing your attic insulation.
The laws of physics state that warm air rises, and that means that our ceilings and attics are a primary source of heat loss. Even if you are certain that you have an insulated attic, it may be well worth investigating whether the insulation material and the thickness is sufficient. The more you insulate the less thermal exchange will take place.
One of the easiest ways to add insulation to your attic is by using blown in insulation. This is generally a fiberglass material that is fed into a pumping machine. All you need to do is point the pumping nozzle in the direction that you want to have the insulation laid and turn on the machine.
The great thing about fiberglass is that once it is pumped into the attic it does not flatten over time, it will always maintain its thickness and insulating properties, which means that it really is a once off job that someone with only basic DIY skills can perform.
How much insulation you pump into your attic will depend entirely on your budget, but once you have decided to go ahead with it, you might as well pump in as much as possible. Bear in mind that there are very good tax advantages for insulation projects, which will help to reduce the costs.
Attic insulation is by far one of the easiest ways to benefit you pocket and have an impact on the environment. But it will also increase the value of your home should you ever decide to sell it, as most people these days look at energy efficiency before making a final decision to buy.
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Home Improvement Tips And Tricks
Home improvement is a great way to keep yourself and your family happy with the house you have. It is much cheaper than moving to a new home and if you are the creative, do-it-yourself type of person, it can be fun.
One of the smartest home improvement tips is to act before the job becomes urgent. For instance, check the plumbing and electrical systems twice or three times a year and fix any problem, no matter how small. Neglecting a small issue may cause you a big trouble later.
Thermal insulation is another work that will bring you benefits on long term. Replacing your old windows with double-glazing, energy-efficient ones will save you money during the cold season. Actually they will save you money during very hot summer days as well, because you’ll have to use the air conditioning units less, thanks to the diminished temperature exchange at the glass level.
Soundproofing bedrooms and bathrooms is something to be considered as well, especially if you live in an old house. You can do it yourself. You’ll find all needed materials in home improvement stores. If you aren’t sure which solution would work best in your case, you can ask the shop assistant to give you advice.
If you are bored with your living room, you can add a fireplace to it. Ready-made fireplaces are available both online or in specialized stores. Some models are really stylish and not so difficult to install.
Keep pace with current trends in home design. Buy home and garden magazines and find out what’s new. Not everything will suit your house, but there’s a high probability you’ll find at least a couple of projects to amuse yourself with while bringing your home in the modern age. Sometimes, even changing the carpets can result in a feeling of new and modern.
Study and apply ancient home decoration arts like Feng Shui. This doesn’t mean you have to fill your home with cheap Chinese coins or little animals made from copper or glass. It rather means to learn about activating your luck, or your love or your wealth by placing special symbols on the respective spots in the house. Everything can be a symbol. A green, leafy plant can be a symbol for Earth. A fish tank can be a symbol for water. Buy books or search the internet, in order to learn the basics of Feng Shui home decoration. If you wish, you can even take this further and ask a specialist for advice.
Small home improvement projects like painting the bathroom or replacing the light fixtures can be done by yourself. Bigger projects will need hiring some specialized contractors. Plumbing repairs, for instance, are difficult to do properly if you have absolutely no skills in this area. Replacing windows and reshaping rooms by adding more walls are also big and complicated projects which may need specialists to run smoothly.
Remember to always start with a plan. Put it on paper for more clarity. Make a list of materials with quantities and prices. Calculate an estimate budget and only after you are sure you can afford it, go ahead and start it.