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For a truly DIY solution to protect your outdoor faucets from freezing, you can craft your own faucet sock out of spare rags, plastic shopping bags, and duct tape—but this method might not be as effective (or attractive) as store-bought. If you choose to DIY your own outdoor faucet cover, be aware that rags, old towels, and other fabric you might use to wrap the faucet can absorb water like a sponge and could cause problems if it freezes.

Spreading tin foil over your windows works similarly to radiant barrier insulation, but not as well. It will reflect some of the sunlight that would otherwise come through the glass and warm up the inside of your home, so it might help a little to keep your home cool in the summer. However, the appearance isn’t preferable to blinds or drapes that can offer the same benefits. You might also consider tinting your windows instead, which is a more aesthetically pleasing change that can still block a good portion of the solar heat coming through your windows.

Yes, an automatic pool cover retains heat. It can act as a thermal blanket because the heavy vinyl traps heat underneath, keeping the water warmer than if there wasn’t a cover. Keeping the pool cover closed when the pool’s not in use can also help reduce water utilities and save on pool chemical costs because there won’t be as much evaporation.

The best R-value for home insulation depends on where you live and where you’re installing the insulation. Your climate zone plays the biggest role in determining the correct R-value, so be sure to know which zone you live in when determining the R-value you need.