SHOW NOTES: Welcome back, home improvement enthusiasts! We love this time of year, with the cool, crisp air and the anticipation of autumn. But the chill also means higher heating bills, so today we are dedicating the hour to helping you stay warm and save some serious energy dollars! Here is what we’ve got coming up today on The Money Pit: - Sealing Drafts: We’ll show you easy and effective ways to find and fix the sneaky drafts around your windows, doors, and attics. Learn how to use a simple candle to locate leaks and then seal them up, using inexpensive solutions like weather stripping and foam gaskets. - Adding Insulation: If you’ve noticed your energy costs creeping up, it might be time to beef up your insulation, but remember that not all types are created equal. We’ll break down the pros and cons of different insulations, so you know exactly what will work best for your space. - Smart Thermostats: Are you still heating your home with an older thermostat? We’re going to show you how making the smart switch to a smart thermostat can lower your energy bills, learn your habits, and make your home cozier, all with just a few taps on your phone.   Q & A: - Belle from Bristol, Virginia, says the solid stain on her deck started chipping after only a year. We advise that the deck was likely too damp when the stain was applied and recommend scraping off the loose spots until she is ready to strip the entire surface. - Steve in Arizona asked about the cost of a three-ton air conditioner. We explain that the price is dependent on the contractor and equipment efficiency (SEER rating), urging him to get competitive bids from three vendors for the same product. - Katherine contacted us about deteriorating brick faces and mortar near her foundation. We recommend using Quikrete ReCap to repair the masonry and a mortar repair product for the joints, mixing in available dyes to match the color of the old materials. - Nick emailed regarding attaching his new vanity top to the base. We suggest using a strong adhesive on the vanity edge, followed by a bead of caulk along the back wall, to secure the composite top without needing physical fasteners. - Billy from New Jersey asks about installing a storm door and exterior door combination. We tell him that modern, Energy Star-rated steel or fiberglass exterior doors have superior integral weather stripping, making the storm door unnecessary.   ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices