It seems like it always happens at the worst possible time. For example, the air conditioner breaks in the middle of July, or the furnace quits as a major snowstorm blows in. So what can you do to ensure your systems will be there when you need them most? Here are a few tried-and-true tips… Read more »
Keeping your home warm in winter and cool in summer depends on a whole system of comfort engineering. Chief among the components is insulation, the blanket of material in the walls and attic that resists the flow of heat transference from outside to inside and vice versa. Technology and the move toward greater environmental awareness… Read more »
Homeowners in tune with today’s demands to save energy and water will be rewarded for their conservation efforts with cold hard cash in the form of lower utility bills. Take a look what you can do to green up your home and fatten up your wallet. Energy Star. The U. S. Department of Energy has… Read more »
There’s little doubt why fireplaces are such a popular feature in homes. They conjure up thoughts of a warm and cozy home on a chilly night. But what is the best choice of a fireplace? Should you go with a classic wood-burning hearth? Or do you prefer the cleaner, more modern gas logs? What about… Read more »
As a homeowner, you may be interested in learning more about solar power — the pros and cons. It could save you money and help conserve precious resources at the same time, but what about those up-front costs? Here’s a basic tutorial. A short solar power primer. While there are two primary types of solar… 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 »
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 »
