You’ve considered upgrading energy systems in your home but wonder whether the monthly energy savings will justify the high up-front investment. After all, it can take months or years to recover your investment through monthly savings. However, new tax credits for investing in energy savings upgrades help shorten the time frame. Here are the credits… Read more »
Consumers increasingly expect companies to follow environmentally responsible practices in manufacturing and packaging. Most companies strive to attain such standards honestly, but some companies are pretenders. They take advantage of consumers by using misleading statements, slogans or images to appear more environmentally friendly than they are. Known as “greenwashing,” such practices include: Decorating packaging with… Read more »
Switching to smart light bulbs is a great way to add smart technology to your home. What can smart bulbs do that traditional bulbs can’t? Here’s a primer on smart light bulbs. What are smart light bulbs? Smart light bulbs look much like regular LED bulbs, but with Wi-Fi, you can remotely control them through… Read more »
Ductless mini-split heating and air-conditioning units bring climate-controlled air to spaces where traditional ducted systems aren’t feasible. A do-it-yourselfer can usually handle the regular maintenance. Here’s what you need to know. Ductless mini-split monthly maintenance Your mini-split unit inside the house has a return air intake with two filters shielding thin evaporator coils from airborne… Read more »
Sometimes you need air conditioning or heat in a home without attic or basement space to run ducts. A ductless mini-split unit may be your best answer in those situations. What is a ductless mini-split, and is it the right solution for you? HVAC without ducts A ductless mini-split is a heating and air-conditioning (HVAC)… Read more »
Despite today’s convenience-based culture, raising eco-friendly children is easier than you might think. Here are ten tips to help your kids become the next generation’s eco heroes. Start when they’re young. It’s never too soon to introduce the idea of treading more lightly on the planet. Begin by making eco-friendly choices for your baby. Breastfeeding,… Read more »
You’ve decided to buy your first fully electric vehicle (EV). But before you bring that technological wonder home, you must understand the charging process and the choices available to you. Here’s our tutorial. How much do you drive your EV each day? There are three classes of charging capacity: Level One, Level Two and Level… Read more »
Gas stoves, which have long been a favorite of chefs and foodies, have recently come under scrutiny for potential environmental health hazards. Here’s what you need to know if you own a gas stove or are contemplating the purchase of one. Just the facts Earlier this year, an official from the U. S. Product Safety… Read more »
Homeowners often keep gasoline or diesel fuel on hand for use in lawn equipment. You must handle these useful but dangerous fuels cautiously. Take these steps to protect yourself, your family and your home. Understanding the risk Gasoline and diesel are both flammable liquids. Gasoline also has highly volatile fumes to a degree diesel does… Read more »
Specific maintenance steps are required for your air conditioner to operate at peak efficiency. Periodic cleaning of the outside air conditioner condenser is a task you can do yourself. Here’s how to keep cool. Why cleaning the condenser is important Air conditioning works through the principle of heat transference. Inside your house, return vents draw… Read more »
An electrical fire can be stealthy. Old or faulty wiring or an overloaded circuit can spark a fire inside a wall, the basement or the attic. Here are signs you need to act quickly to protect yourself and your family from an electrical fire in your home. Tripping breakers It’s not unusual to trip a… Read more »
You may need to shut off your home’s utilities in the event of a repair, suspected leak or an emergency. Here’s what you need to know about shutting off utilities safely. Cutting the water supply The main water valve is adjacent to the water meter, often in the same valve box in the ground. The… Read more »
Today, huge wind farms are spreading across parts of America. How does having a wind farm next to your property affect its value? Is it cost-effective to let a wind farm be built on your land, given the subsidy you’ll receive? Let’s blow through the hot air and get to the truth. Visible and audible… Read more »
All light bulbs eventually burn out. Today’s compact fluorescent and LED bulbs are far more economical in energy usage than old-school incandescents, but they contain toxic elements and must be disposed of properly to protect the environment. Here’s how to get rid of old light bulbs safely. Different bulbs, different elements Incandescent bulbs were a… Read more »
When a light bulb burns out, you may grab a replacement without considering its wattage. But there’s a risk of fire if a light bulb’s wattage exceeds what the light fixture or lamp allows. So let’s shed some light on light bulb wattage requirements. There’s a maximum wattage warning? It might come as a mild… Read more »
Record-setting heat has suffocated the western states this summer. When the demand for power from utility companies surges during heat waves, household air-conditioning systems are pushed to the max. Here are eight steps to prevent your air-conditioner from collapsing from heat exhaustion. Keep your air-conditioner going strong Have a professional inspect your air-conditioning before summer… Read more »
It seems to make sense. Shutting the heating and air conditioning vents to unused rooms should save on energy costs, right? After all, why heat a room that is rarely used? The reality is quite different. Cutting off airflow to rooms could cost you money. Here’s why. Your system’s design HVAC professionals design their systems… Read more »
Solar energy offers you the chance to save money on your electric bill and be less dependent on “the grid.” But solar power scammers take advantage of consumers with schemes to take their money for little or nothing in return. Let’s power up your knowledge to protect your wallet. How home solar power works You’ve… Read more »
As you and your family snooze soundly at night, your appliances, electronics and home systems still silently draw energy. This idle load can be responsible for as much as a third of your electric bill. Read on for steps you can take to reduce idle load and save money. What is idle load and what… Read more »
A new roof, foundation or HVAC system may not be as exciting as a kitchen or bathroom remodel, but all of these can add value to your home. How does the condition of your home’s major components and systems affect its value? Professional examinations of systems When you sell your house, two professionals come to… Read more »
