Howcast
The best source for fun, free, and useful how-to videos and guides.
If you’re a homeowner, you should educate yourself about home heating and air conditioning; this Howcast video series makes it painless.
Instructions Step 1: Caulk and weather-strip Caulk and weather-strip along window and door frames to lower your utility bills easily, plugging leaks and cracks. Properly insulated and sealed, your home’s energy efficiency can improve by up to 20 percent yearly. You can also install door sweeps, which cut air leakage. TIP: Some power companies offer …
Instructions Step 1: Test the water Feel the water. If you turn on a hot water tap and the water is cold, or if you expect to climb into a nice, hot shower and are blindsided by icy water, it’s probably time to replace your hot water tank. Step 2: Check hot water duration See …
Instructions Step 1: Locate drafts Locate drafts in your home by feeling for cold air leaks at any opening, especially near utility connections, lighting, dryer vents, and mail chutes. Step 2: Investigate joining materials Investigate joining materials for drafts at the place where building materials connect, paying special attention to windows, door frames, around chimneys …
Instructions Step 1: Determine the type Determine the type of air conditioner that best suits your needs. Options include portable, room, window, and wall air conditioners. Step 2: Buy high-efficiency Purchase a high-efficiency unit with an energy efficient ratio, or EER, of 13 or higher. The higher the EER, the more efficient the model. TIP: …
Instructions Step 1: Pull off weather stripping Pull off the existing weather stripping. If correctly installed originally, it should peel off the door or window stop. Step 2: Clean the door and window Use soapy water to scrub and clean the stops of your window or door. Let it dry completely. Step 3: Measure the …
Instructions Step 1: Turn off the furnace Turn off the power to the furnace. Step 2: Locate the filter Locate the filter. It may be behind a door and you may need to unscrew a panel. Step 3: Remove the filter Remove the old, dirty filter. Furnace filters simply slide in and out of their …
Instructions Step 1: Turn off the furnace Turn off the furnace. Step 2: Insert the filter Insert the new filter and begin to feel the difference right away! Step 3: Locate the arrows Locate the arrows on the new filter and turn them in the direction of the air flow. Step 4: Inspect the filter …
Instructions : Gas vapors can be dangerous. Check around the gas heater and lines before igniting the pilot. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the supply and call the utility company or a professional repair person for help. Step 1: Turn heat to LOW Turn the temperature knob on the outside …
Instructions Step 1: Get a programmable thermostat Get a programmable thermostat. It can save up to 15 percent on your cooling costs because the system kicks in only when it’s needed. TIP: Every degree below 78 degrees raises your energy bill by 3 to 4 percent. Step 2: Maintain your system Check the filters every …
Instructions Step 1: Turn off the heat Turn off the heat and wait until the radiator cools. Step 2: Locate the valve Locate the bleed valve. It is a circular valve with a square protrusion from its center. Step 3: Hold towel Hold the towel beneath the valve to catch any water that leaks out. …
Instructions Step 1: Set your log Place your log on the chopping block, or if one is unavailable, on an area of ground hard enough that it won’t absorb the blow of the maul. Step 2: Study the grain Study the grain of the log for any crack or weakness toward which you can aim …
