The Handyguys cover two topics in this show. We discuss fraud, abuse and lack of accountability with the U.S. government’s Energy Star program and then discuss basement egress requirements.

Energy Star Fail

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) [sorry, said it wrong in the podcast] investigated the EPA and Department of Energy’s Energy Star Program and discovered fraud and abuse. GAO obtained Energy Star certifications for 15 bogus products, including a gas-powered alarm clock. In addition, the GAO determined that many products which do not carry the Energy Star labels actually met Energy Star standards.  If the GAO can have bogus products passed by the system, where does that leave consumers who rely on the Energy Star label for real world appliances and products?

The better method for energy usage verification is to check the particular device for actual electrical usage. This is expressed in WATTS on a label or in the documentation. The lower the number, the less electricity the appliance consumes. The same method can be used for water usage.  Items like dishwashers are measured in gallons per cycle or estimated gallons per year. Try and do your own apples to apples comparisons using the documented information instead of looking for a government sticker.

Unfortunately, the Handyguys have not had much success with these supposedly more efficient appliances. We ranted about appliances a while back in Episode #79. Well, we got started again in this podcast. Washing machines that hardly use any water just don’t get clothes as clean, dishwashers that use less water leave gunk on dishes.

You can read the GAO report here

and you can read the DOE/EPA response to the report here

The government is working to fix the administration of the Energy Star program by spending more taxpayer money. “EPA and DOE have launched a new two-step process to expand testing of ENERGY STAR qualified products…the steps are part of an overall effort by the Obama Administration” (paraphrased from Energy Star site).

Basement Egress

Bilco Doors being installed in new construction

The Handyguys set aside a few minutes to discuss basement Egress requirements and options.

If you are finishing your basement, be sure to check your local code requirements. A secondary means of exit from your finished basement space is a typical requirement. A basement bedroom also requires a direct secondary egress. Small windows wont cut it. Instead a window or door must be large enough for a person to exit easily and for fireman with an air pack can enter.  Again, please check your local code requirements for egress.

Egress options range from large windows to walk out french doors for daylight basements.  Brian and Paul discuss the pros and cons of the various egress options including the bilco Doors you see in the image.  When planning your finished basement, be sure to plan and budget for proper egress.

Related shows:

1. Basement Systems And Listener Questions
2. DIY Basement Finishing – Is My Basement Ready
3. Finished Basement Planning And Dealing With Building Codes

In this episode of The Handyguys Podcast we discuss air-conditioning.

Air-conditioning is not something the typical handyguy or girl is familiar with. We turn it on and expect it to work as designed. What can we do if it doesn’t cool? Are there specific things to look for before calling in a pro to troubleshoot?

With high humidity and soaring temperatures this summer, the last thing you want to deal with is a broken air conditioner. But when an old air conditioning system fails, you will be faced with the tough and often expensive decision of whether to repair the existing system or purchase a new one.

Repairs on an existing unit may be the least expensive immediate option, but could cost you more in the long run since older systems tend to break down over and over and consume more energy and drive up cooling bills more than newer systems. However, there are times when simple repairs can prolong the life of an air conditioner, making immediate replacement a less sensible option.

Since the Handyguys are not experts in this area and we want to help you make an educated decision, consider the following tips from Bill Cunningham, a home cooling and energy efficiency expert with Lennox. Bill shares a great deal of wisdom and experience with residential central air-conditioning systems, regardless of who manufactures your system. He suggests homeowners ask the following three questions before making the decision whether to repair or replace:

1. Is the air conditioner on its last leg? Excessive energy consumption and frequent repairs are the trademarks of a worn-out system. If the air conditioner is more than 10 years old, replacing the aging system with a new ENERGY STAR-qualified system can save time, money, and headaches – and keep you cooler and more comfortable in the long run. If the system is less than 10 years old, routine maintenance is almost always the way to go. In fact, an annual check-up can significantly increase the air conditioner’s performance and extend the life of the unit. Listen to the podcast for more information.
2. Are your energy bills going up, up and up? While the cost of electricity is on the rise, an older, less efficient air conditioner may also be the culprit when it comes to high energy bills. By replacing an 8 SEER (seasonal energy efficiency rating) cooling system, which is much less efficient than the current SEER level allowed by law, with a 15 SEER system, homeowners can save approximately 47 percent on energy bills and up to $3,095 over a five-year period. Energy calculators, such as the one available on the Lennox site can help consumers compare the savings of different high-efficiency systems and determine whether to repair or replace an older unit. Listen to the podcast for more information.
3. Did your home feel like a steam room even before the air conditioner stopped working? A poorly operating air conditioner or one that is not properly sized for the home can contribute to excessive humidity. Leaky ductwork can also cause humidity problems. When making the decision to repair or replace, talk with a reputable home cooling contractor about the humidity problem to determine if you need to replace the existing system with one that is the right size for the home or if the issue can be resolved with repairs or duct sealing. Listen to the podcast for more information.

We also discuss with Bill a few things you can check yourself before calling a service tech.

1. Does your thermostat use batteries? Many of the fancier thermostats use batteries. If your batteries are dead your system will not work.
2. Did a breaker trip? Its an easy check and will save you the cost of a service call. Look for a tripped breaker if you have no fan or no cooling. You likely have separate breakers for each.
3. Did someone turn it off? Systems usually have switches for killing the power before service. There will be one near your outside unit as well as near your inside unit. There may also be a switch at the top of your basement stairs or somewhere nearby.

Listen to the podcast for more information.

Don’t forget – If you like this content you can subscribe and get it on your MP3 player or notifications in your email of new shows. You can also follow us on twitter.

Related shows:

1. Vehicle Choices, Air Conditioning Leaks And Mower Carb Repair
2. Fall Home Improvement Checklist
3. Energy Star Fraud And Basement Egress Requirements

Primer, PEX and CFLs

Costly Handyguy Mistakes: Primer. Use it or lose it.

Skipping primer or improperly prepping a surface for paint cant be a Costly DIY Mistake

The Handyguys continue their new segment this week called Costly DIY Mistakes. These are mistakes are ones we have personally seen or have been asked about by our listeners. This weeks mistake is not using primer when painting. The Handyguys discuss when you need to prime and when you don’t. Also discussed are stain blocking primers. A primer will help your finish paint job last longer.

The Handyguys then address a question about PEX piping

Our listener, Brian M., asks:

Thanks for recommending your podcasts to me on Twitter. I’m just beginning a new basement finishing project and I’ve been enjoying your basement finishing podcast series. Great stuff!

My question is about PEX tubing systems. I have to do some minor plumbing work as part of my project, including the relocation of one or two existing water supply lines that are currently in the way. I’ve been considering PEX systems as a replacement for some existing PVC supply lines because of its supposed flexibility and ease of installation. Are there any pitfalls or difficulties to watch out for when using PEX? To save on headroom, would it be acceptable to run the PEX tubing across joists in the ceiling utilizing knock-out holes in the joists? I only have to relocate one or two existing supply lines and build a handfull of new supply lines. Do you think my project is too small to invest in the specialized tools needed to install PEX?

Click on the image for a full size rendition of Sharkbite fittings

The Handyguys discuss the question.

What is the solution to costly PEX tools? Use SharkBite.  SharkBite® push-fit fittings are designed to simplify pipe installation. The fittings allow the user to connect pipe in seconds with relative ease.

In Handyguy Brian’s recent project he was able to use Sharkbite fittings to simplify the installation, eliminate the need for a torch install without a completely dry joint. Check out the Sharkbite Selection at The Handyguys Amazon Store and listen to the podcast for the details.

What are ya doing lately? Recent Handyguy Adventures

Click the image to see it full size and so you can see the base

Paul installed a new light fixture that included a CFL light bulb with a new kind of base. I guess the “Edison Base” isn’t good enough for those in the government. These new bulb bases will become more common. The base is called a GU24 base. It is a standard on new Energy Star rated light fixtures. The purpose is to prevent you from using a standard incandescent bulb in a new fixture. Oh, and the home centers and hardware stores are not always stocking these bulbs. As Paul found out, they sell the fixture and not the bulb. Argh.

The Handyguys have a solution. Get your GU24 base bulbs from The Handyguys store.
GU24 Bulb Selection at The Handyguys Amazon Store

Lastly – our listener made reference to us being on twitter. You can follow us by following @handyguys or clicking here

Related shows:

1. Building A Shed And Led Light Bulb Opinions
2. How To Cut Metal, CFL Safety And Water Saving Flush Valves
3. Listener Questions – The Steven Show