Green Me Now

Because fall is the season that many homeowners start thinking about weatherization and insulation, here are two video primers. The first, from Expert Videos, provides the basics for do-it-yourselfers. The second, from OwnerBuilderOnline.com provides some cellulose vs. fiberglass insulation insights.

Cellulose is a frequent choice for retrofits: it can be blown into wall spaces from the inside or the outside via drilled holes that are filled after the job is done; it can be done by the moderately skilled homeowner and both the insulation and the and blower are readily available.

"If you need insulation, that is the most cost-effective upgrade you can make--even without a tax credit," said Karen Schneider, Web site manager for Energy Star, in a Wall Street Journal report. "If you have a 50-year-old home and never looked at the insulation, now is the time to do that."

Many insulation projects are in the sweet spot for do-it-yourselfers, says Michael Chenard, director of environmental affairs for Lowe's, in the report. "Insulation is one of the easiest things to do that is covered by the tax-credit promotion," he says.