DIY Projects
DIY weatherstripping, attic insulation, air sealing, and home energy audit guides. Weekend projects with payback periods under 2 years.
13 articles
DIY Air Conditioner Maintenance: 12 Tasks to Keep Your AC Running Efficiently
DIY AC maintenance tasks that extend your air conditioner's life and lower your electricity bill. Learn how to clean coils, change filters, and troubleshoot common problems.
DIY Attic Insulation Guide: How to Add Blown-In Insulation Yourself
Adding blown-in attic insulation is the highest-ROI home energy project. Materials: $300–$700, annual savings: $250–$500, payback under 2 years. Here's exactly how to do it.
DIY Home Energy Audit Checklist: Find Where You're Losing Money (2026)
A complete DIY home energy audit checklist that finds air leaks, insulation gaps, and inefficient appliances. Stop guessing and start saving on your energy bills.
Home Winterization Checklist: 25 DIY Tasks That Actually Save Money
A complete home winterization checklist for DIYers. Stop heat loss, prevent frozen pipes, and cut your winter heating bill with these proven weekend projects.
DIY Mini Split Installation Guide: What You Can Do Yourself and What You Can't (2026)
Mini split installation cost, DIY vs professional breakdown, permit requirements, and what the $2,000 IRA heat pump credit covers. Save $1,000–$2,500 by doing part yourself.
Spray Foam Insulation: Open vs Closed Cell, Cost, and When to DIY
Spray foam insulates and air seals simultaneously — but it's 3–5× more expensive than batts. We explain when it's worth the premium and when to stick with cheaper options.
Home Insulation R-Value Guide: What You Actually Need by Climate Zone
Most homes are under-insulated. The DOE recommends R-38 to R-60 in attics depending on your climate zone. Here's exactly what R-value you need — and where.
HVAC Maintenance Checklist: 12 Things to Do Before Winter (DIY)
A poorly maintained HVAC system uses 15–25% more energy and fails 2× as often. This seasonal checklist takes 2 hours and can save you $300+ per year.
DIY Radiant Barrier: Cut Attic Heat by 30% for Under $200
A radiant barrier in your attic reflects 95% of radiant heat before it enters your living space. It's a weekend DIY project that cuts cooling costs 5–15% per year.
DIY Weatherstripping: Stop Drafts in One Afternoon ($15 Fix)
Drafty doors and windows waste up to 30% of your heating energy. This step-by-step guide shows exactly how to weatherstrip every type of door and window.
How to Air Seal Your Home: The Complete DIY Guide
Air sealing is the highest-ROI energy improvement most homeowners skip. Materials cost $30–$100. Annual savings: $150–$400. Here's exactly how to do it.
How to Weatherize Windows DIY: Stop Losing $300/Year Through Your Glass
Window air leaks are silent money drains. This step-by-step guide covers weatherstripping, caulking, window film, and insulating curtains — all DIY, all weekend-doable.
DIY Home Insulation: How I Cut My Heating Bill 30% in One Weekend
A step-by-step guide to attic air sealing and insulation as a DIY project. What I spent, what I saved, and what I'd do differently.