Hi, I have a Frigidaire 7000 btu AC unit that rattles the whole window. I know the windows are old and I need new ones, how can i prevent the rattling without replacing the windows?
-Frank
Hello Frank,
Rattling can be caused by two things: the vibration of the mechanical parts inside the unit which causes the frame to move, or the parts themselves becoming loose and moving around within the unit. The second one isn’t as common as the first one, but fortunately there are some things you can do.

Augment the padding …

For the most part, energy leaks or loss around windows (leaks that don’t have to do with the windows themselves: the panes, the construction, the actual unit itself) comes down to two main areas – the frame itself and the insulation around the frame.
Energy can be lost whether the window is brand new and just installed (and thus installed incorrectly) or if the window is older.
If the frame is compromised, the energy is lost through the frame itself, through the gaps in the wood or plastic. In most cases, though, …

I recently stumbled across a simple great article at “the Modern Zen Life” which talked about setting goals for success, and how successful people set goals. It really doesn’t matter what the goals are – the most important thing is really to set the goal and then plan for success.
What’s powerful about this method is rather obvious. Setting a goal is a starting point. Keeping focused on that goal takes a good mindset. And it is often one of the toughest things to do.
Now, when it comes to saving on …

Now that spring is here in most areas of North America, our thoughts naturally turn to the outdoors. Some of us garden, while others clean up the yard that has been neglected during the winter months. Energy saving solar lights can usually be purchased in bundles and save on your electrical bill, because they don’t actually connect to your home’s energy “network”. Thus they don’t draw any power and cost you nothing to run or use daily.

It’s no secret there are a lot of different decisions to consider when purchasing solar panels. The truth is, it is relatively easy to build a small solar array in your backyard or on your roof that you can use to power small appliances or perhaps tie into the existing grid. Most consumers will choose to take the easiest way out possible (and there’s nothing wrong with this) – purchasing smaller solar panels and tying them into an array.
Consider these questions before you purchase or install solar panels:
What load are …

By: Muna wa Wanjiru
If your home is freezing cold in the winter and blistering hot in the summer, then you need an effective insulation system for your home. Many homes have old insulation system or no insulation at all. Old insulation system looses some or complete effectiveness with passing years. There are many different types of insulation systems are available, cocoon insulation is one them.
Heat enters in or out of your home walls through cracks and crevices around electrical sockets, windows, light fixtures and cracks at wall –ceiling junction. …

By: Robin Green
If your windows are ancient and aren’t doing a passable job of keeping heat inside your home in winter (or keeping it out in warm weather), maybe it is time to consider having new, energy saving windows put in. But new windows, especially good quality energy efficient ones, can be prohibitively expensive. This means that it can take a long time for them to pay for themselves in energy savings. For the amount of cash you would pay to replace the windows in a single big room, you …

LEED Green Associate (GA) Certification Process: Basic Questions Answered
There are some common questions asked by people having an interest in or prepared to take the LEED GA examination. Here is some basic information about the examination process that addresses many FAQs.
Becoming able to Take the LEED GA Examination
Before taking the examination there are a few necessities that must first be met. An application must be submitted that will get checked.
The Green Building Certification Institute ( GBCI ) audits five to seven percent of all applications.
Candidates who are selected for an …

Right now your home could be losing a lot of energy. We’re not just talking about a few pennies either.
We could be talking hundreds of dollars per year. And that’s really just the average home.
The first step is to find where your home uses energy. That is where an energy audit comes in. An energy audit is really the examination of your home’s energy usage and loss. It could be loss from waste, inefficiencies, bad conservation, aging appliances, faulty insulation or building materials, wear/age of the home, etc.
When done correctly, …

If there’s one thing I’ve learned doing home energy audits, repairs, and consultations its this: you always need to have the right tools for the job. Its true in any profession, any contracting gig, or even any job. You need the tools.  Tools help you develop your skills. The two, I’m convinced, go hand in hand.
So, do you have a home energy toolbox? It doesn’t have to be an actual toolbox, it could be a bag, cardboard box, or just an abstract idea and collection of tools.
Every homeowner needs an …