Summer’s merciless heat and winter’s icy temperatures make it hard to set your thermostat without breaking the bank. Here’s how to keep both your home and your wallet comfy. What the experts recommend Energy experts say the optimum in-home temperature is 78 degrees in summer and 68 in winter, at least during the hours when… Read more »
Electrical malfunctions are the top cause of large residential fires, and electrocution deaths are frighteningly high. Electricity powers much of our modern lives but is a potentially dangerous resource that must be used properly to avoid danger. Taking precautions can help you enjoy this valuable resource safely around your home. The shocking numbers More than… Read more »
We take our refrigerators and freezers for granted until something goes wrong. No one can avoid long-term power outages during natural disasters, which can result in ruined food. But with a few simple steps, you can prevent a lack of maintenance from causing refrigeration failure. Here’s how to keep things chill. Vacuum the condenser coils… Read more »
Summertime means fun activities like swimming, cookouts and vacations. It can also mean higher electric bills if you run the air-conditioning continuously. Keep your house comfortable while avoiding smoking-hot energy bills with these heat-reduction tips. Beat the heat inside and out. Admittedly, it’s easier to get by with little or no air-conditioning in Northern climates… Read more »
Home purification systems can improve quality of life for those with asthma and allergies. Let’s look at the benefits of these systems and the types available. Prevention first. Before investing in a purifier, prevention is always the first step. Change the filters regularly on your heating and air system. Know exactly what you’re allergic to… Read more »
The next time the monthly utility bills arrive, resist the urge to blindly write a check or schedule a payment. Take the time for a more in-depth examination. You just might find a way to trim the bill. Understanding your electric bill. Using a fixed rate, the power company charges a set rate of x… Read more »
If you find yourself living in a house or apartment without central air conditioning, it’s time to go shopping for a window unit. Here’s what to look for and how to properly maintain it. It’s a matter of BTUs. Shopping for a window air conditioner isn’t complicated. The main thing to look for is the… Read more »
If you watch any of the TV design shows, the ceiling fans seem to be ignored in makeovers. By omission, you could easily get the impression they have become a design faux pas. The fan industry sees things otherwise and has some sleek designs hitting the market. Fan makeover. Forget the brass trim and pressed-wood… Read more »
Technology has accelerated the ability to have a super energy-efficient home. Here are seven must-have ways to slash your usage and cost. Cool roofing. The roof takes the brunt of the sun’s energy and absorbs heat, affecting the cooling of the whole house. Light colored roof shingles were introduced to help mitigate that heat, but… Read more »
When the power goes out in your neighborhood — or you simply want a little modern convenience on a family camping trip — a portable power station might be the answer to your needs. Powered by lithium batteries, the units have a lot of advantages over the traditional gas- or diesel-powered generators. Convenient size. The… Read more »
When choosing a water heater, homeowners need to know what type of heating system will provide the most efficient delivery at the most affordable cost? Conventional storage heaters are the most popular and familiar type of water heater. Typically, the tanks hold 40 gallons or more, and are kept hot with gas, an electric coil… Read more »
A high-quality caulking job goes a long way toward keeping the winter cold and summer heat from creeping into your temperature-controlled house. Caulk also helps keep your home protected from an invasion of insects. Let’s talk caulk and how this attention to detail can save homeowners significant amounts of money. Latex caulk is easy to… Read more »
Smart homeowners think of their homes as more than just a place to live. Their houses are also their biggest investment. By strategically investing modest sums of money now, you’ll see major savings later. Here are 11 keys spots to spend money with an eye toward saving. Heating and air conditioning units should be inspected… Read more »
Homeowners expect their houses to be warm in winter and cool in summer, but don’t take those comfortable temperatures for granted. Regularly changing the air filters is an essential task. HVAC systems move air in a continuous loop through the house. An intake vent uses a fan to pull air from the room through a… Read more »
Is our water safe to drink? Can it be improved for our consumption? These are questions you may be asking about your home tap water. What’s in your water? The vast majority of Americans get their water from municipal systems. City water is regulated and inspected by government agencies, more so than the commercial bottled… Read more »
We’ve all seen the blue Energy Star logos on appliances, windows and even electronics, but what do they mean? Origins and purpose. The Energy Star program was launched in 1992 as a joint program of the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. Energy Star encourages development of technology that reduces energy costs… Read more »
As fall fades from the calendar, it’s time to get your house in shape for winter. From annual furnace inspections to protecting your outside faucets and pipes, here’s a handy to-do list to keep everyone in your family warm and dry until spring. Schedule an inspection of your furnace in the early fall, before the… 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 »
Nothing beats a warm evening at home when the winter wind is howling. You might not give your heater a second thought…until it stops working. Here’s a quick tutorial on how they operate so you can stay warm this winter. Types of heaters. The main difference among most heaters is the fuel source. Oil, gas,… 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 »
