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See more home-related Frequently Asked Questions at www.engext.ksu.edu/faq
Building Envelope
Insulation
What are the suggested R-values for the various components of a home?
Which areas in a home would benefit the most from insulation?
How can I seal and insulate the opening for a whole-house fan?
Windows and Doors
What are some common window types and their characteristics?
How can I choose a replacement window that will give good performance at a reasonable price?
What plants are best for shading west windows?
Basement
Which is the better method for insulating basement walls: exterior or interior insulation?
Infiltration
Where are the most critical air leaks in a home?
What is an air barrier, or house wrap?
How effective is covering windows with plastic at sealing a window?
Ventilation
Can I close some of my attic vents during the winter?
How important is crawl space venting?
Vapor Barrier
What is a vapor barrier?
Lighting and Appliances
Lighting
Are $10 compact fluorescent lamps cost-effective?
What is the best exterior lighting source?
Water Heating
What should I look for when buying a new water heater?
How do you select the proper size for a water heater?
How can I reduce my water heating costs?
Fans
Will a ceiling fan help save energy?
Can you tell me the difference between an attic fan and a whole-house fan?
What should I consider before purchasing a whole-house fan?
Other Applications
What can you tell me about the new front-loading washing machines?
What can the ENERGYGUIDE tell me about purchasing a new refrigerator?
What is the cost of operating a home computer system?
What should I do with my humidifier during the summer?
Space Heating and Cooling
Air Conditioning
Is it cost-effective to buy high-efficiency, air-conditioning units?
What can I do to reduce summer air-conditioning costs? (Part I)
What can I do to reduce summer air-conditioning costs? (Part II)
For more home energy information, click here.
Is it cost-effective to buy high-efficiency, air-conditioning units?