It seems obvious that a garage should be used as a place to park your cars, but many folks have unintentionally turned their garages into giant storage rooms. If you’re guilty as charged, let the purging begin. Before you know it, your cars will replace all the clutter and you might even make yourself some… Read more »
The “Tiny House” movement is certainly getting a lot of publicity these days, and let’s face it, those cute-as-a-button homes offering the prospect of no mortgage and a smaller environmental impact are pretty tempting. But are you ready to live in 500 square feet — or less? Letting go. Living in a tiny home requires… Read more »
There are wine drinkers and then there are wine lovers, for whom the drink stirs passion. If you fall into the latter category, perhaps you’ve considered adding a wine cellar or dedicated wine refrigerator. Do you need it? Most wines today have already aged about two years from making to purchase and therefore are meant… Read more »
A programmable thermostat is a great investment for homeowners — a multitasking tool that keeps you comfortable and helps you save money. While basic thermostat technology, using liquid mercury and an electrical switch, has been around for a long time, it’s the digital advances that have elevated thermostats to must-have status in a budget-conscious home… Read more »
In today’s world, we take air conditioning for granted. We’ve come to expect cool indoor temperatures regardless of how high the outdoor temperature soars. Let’s take a look under the hood, so to speak, at the equipment that keeps us all comfortable. How it works. Air conditioning units are comprised of three parts: a compressor… Read more »
Thanks to the internet and smartphone apps, watching television will never be the same. So-called streaming TV is far cheaper than traditional cable and satellite television, which is driving its soaring popularity. Evolving technology. With cable and satellite, viewers are watching live feeds from the various channels. Using a DVR, viewers can record shows they… Read more »
If you’re talking about a potential home renovation project, it’s important to know if the money you put into the project will translate into more money down the road when, or if, you sell your house. Some projects will pay off handsomely while others will not. And, sometimes, it’s how you do the project that… Read more »
Buying a home is a thrilling experience, yet it also can be sobering — especially if you’re moving in without all the furnishings you need. Here are several tips on how to make your new house a cozy home without breaking the bank. Don’t be in a rush. If you are moving into a bigger… Read more »
For most homeowners, the sting of a sky-high electricity bill is more than enough to prompt their interest in energy savings. Check out these easy methods to help lower your monthly bills. Attic insulation. Most of the heat transference in a home occurs in the attic, whether it’s indoor heat escaping in winter or outdoor heat… Read more »
It’s more than a nice feeling to have a lush lawn and showy flower beds — it’s a solid investment in your home. In fact, according to some estimates, landscaping accounts for about 18 percent of the value of your home. But it’s important to be savvy about watering so that your investment doesn’t go… Read more »
Homeowners with an eye on water conservation will be richly rewarded, saving themselves money on monthly water bills and helping their fellow citizens guard against potential water shortages. Here are six ways to tap into savings at the tap. Low-flow faucet heads. Install low-flow nozzles on all your faucets, particularly your showers. These faucet flow… Read more »
Once homeowners have been stung by high energy bills, they’re quickly motivated to save resources and money. Check out these energy-saving tips. While some require a significant investment, others are relatively cheap or even free. Cheaper options include: Replace incandescent light bulbs with LED or fluorescent bulbs, also called CFLs. The initial cost of these… Read more »
