RSS
Home
Lou Manfredini the Ace helpful hardware man
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
Lou Manfredini, Ace Hardware's "Helpful Hardware Man" is our guest interviewee for today. Lou is an expert in home
improvement and the perfect person to give tips on how to make your house look great.
So who is Lou? He is a nationally recognized home do-it-yourself (DIY) expert, who has a very energetic and entertaining personality. Ace management called him the James Bond of Home Improvement—women love him, men want to be him. Lou is a master at giving tips on home improvement as well as gardening and lawn maintenance in a way that anybody could understand.
Additionally, as Ace Hardware's "Helpful Hardware Man" and a DIY expert, Lou is extremely knowledgeable about home improvement. Most important, he is always looking for ways to share his tips and experience. He has authored five DIY books, has a call-in radio show with WGN Radio in Chicago called "The Mr. Fix-It Show" and a nationally syndicated TV program called "House Smarts."
Q.: Would you tell Home and Living Readers about Lou Manfredini? A little of your background, your current, position and now your affiliation and responsibilities?
A.: I started working in the building and construction industry as a teenager in Chicago and worked my way through college as a carpenter’s apprentice. I have over ten years of construction experience under my belt and really enjoy helping people learn how to take care of their homes. I get to do just that on a regular basis through my role as Ace’s “Helpful Hardware Man,” my Chicago radio show “Mr. Fix-It” and “HouseSmarts” my nationally syndicated TV show. I’ve also authored 5 DIY books and, of course, I wouldn’t help promote a company if I’m not completely vested in it – my family and I own a Ace Hardware store in Chicago.
Q.: Your publicist called you the “James Bond of Home Improvement,” how do you feel about that title?
A.: Haha, I didn’t know she was calling me that until recently. All I can say is that I can think of a lot worse things to be called!
Q.: Tell us a little about your radio and TV show.
A.: My radio show, “Mr. Fix-It” has been on the air at WGN radio in Chicago since 1995. We offer listeners a chance to call in and ask their toughest DIY questions as well as offer them tips and advice on projects and tools to help them on their way. “HouseSmarts” is my TV show that is syndicated across the country. We try to offer a mix of useful DIY knowledge with an entertaining look at projects of real-world homeowners.
Q.: Now that we know who Lou is and what you’ve been doing, what kids of advice would you impart to homeowners in this tough economy? Home maintenance that shouldn’t be ignored perhaps?
A.: This economy is so tough on homeowners, but you are right, typical home maintenance shouldn’t be ignored. Make sure you are keeping up with the maintenance on your heater, air conditioner and water heater which will help keep them running efficiently which will bring down your energy costs. Additionally, the replacement cost for these items will definitely set you back! Another thing is that so often we update our home with the idea of increasing its resale value, but this economy gives us a chance to make changes to the home that we will really enjoy since many of us are spending more time at home instead of going out. So if you’ve always wanted to install new flooring in your bathroom – do it!
If you are looking to increase the value of your home but don’t want to spend a lot of money. Think small. For example, instead of remodeling your entire kitchen, make simple changes like new cabinet hardware or lighting fixtures. Even a coat of paint will make an old kitchen look new.
Q.: Also, Lou, do you have some energy-saving tips, advice or an experience that you can share? And an estimate of how much energy can be saved with this technique?
A.: I am constantly trying to find ways to be eco-friendly in our home. My 9 year old daughter Mallory needed a new reading lamp in her room so I purchased a clip-on lamp that she attached to her bedframe along with a LED light bulb for it. Not only does the LED light use a small amount of energy but they also do not get hot! The first evening she used the light she came to me and said the light was kind of funny looking. I responded that it was an LED light and that is much better for the earth. She paused and said, “cool.” Since then I have heard her tell her friends when they come over about her “earth friendly light.” The LED bulb I installed uses 15% less energy than if I had used a traditional bulb in her lamp!
Another tip of mine is to install a programmable thermostat, which will allow you to lower the temperature while you are out of the home or sleeping. A programmable thermostat costs between $40 - $100 and can save up to 30% on energy costs in a well insulated home. Also, add weather striping around windows and doors. This is a project any homeowner can do and it can save up to 20% with an investment of as little as $25.
Q.: What can you tell H&L Readers about the “green products” that are rolling in, and what does that actually mean for today’s homeowner? Do you have an example?
A.: I’ve found that the right green products can not only save homeowners money, but also create a healthier home. The trick though is to identify those products that really are green. Look for third party certification from the EPA or GREENGUIDE and choose products that are manufactured close to where you live to avoid transportation related emissions.
There are a couple products on the market now that I think are really great, like the new CFL that GE just released. It looks like an incandescent bulb and has a softer glow than traditional CFLs. I also think Natura, Benjamin Moore’s no VOC paint, and CLR Cleaning Products, which were created in partnership with the EPA, are terrific eco-friendly products.
Q.: Anything you’d like to add?
A.: Just remember that it’s OK to make mistakes when working on your home, but never give up, you’ll get the hang of it. You can save a lot of money doing the projects yourself, as long as you have the right tools and knowledge. There is a huge resource of tips and advice at Acehardware.com so check it out if you need a little encouragement or visit your local Ace store and ask one of our knowledgeable employees for some advice. Thanks for having me!
Q.: Thank you, it was great meeting you and learning more about our Ace Helpful Hardware Man.
Related Articles:
Add a Comment
