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77Pellet Stoves: Wood, Corn & Bixby
by Elle MacKenna
Pellet stoves are an efficient alternative way to heat your home. They use inexpensive fuels made from biomass and don’t produce a lot of waste. With natural gas and oil prices on a steady upward trend, pellets stoves have become increasingly popular and worth a look. published 14 months ago
83How the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Can Lower Your Energy Bills
by Elle MacKenna
An energy efficient home provides lifelong savings. Unfortunately, most homes in the United States are not operating at their maximum energy performance. One of the best ways to improve your home's energy efficiency and lower your energy bills is with a professional home energy rating...here's how published 15 months ago
87Sell Solar Power Into Your Grid and Make Money
by Elle MacKenna
A recent New York Times article blasted solar energy systems as making “no economic sense.” The truth: solar photovoltaic systems aren’t cheap but they do payback. Sales of solar photovoltaic systems have been rising up to 50% annually in some states and it’s not just environmental do-gooders who are investing in the renewable energy. For many homeowners, solar energy is about dollars and cents. published 15 months ago
80Alternatives to Double Pane Windows
by Elle MacKenna
Windows have become a central focus in energy efficient building strategies. Newer technologies including double and triple glazing have helped boost window performance but these upgrades can be expensive and, depending on where you live, not necessarily the most cost-effective. Before you make a significant investment in double pane replacement windows, consider some alternatives. published 14 months ago
74Does Solar Make Sense for Your House?
by Elle MacKenna
Mention solar energy and many people cringe at the thought of the aesthetics, but solar design has come a long way. Technology and implementation are constantly advancing creating new ways to capture this renewable energy. The truth is solar energy is a consideration for every home, no matter where you live. The question is really what kind of solar is right for you? published 16 months ago
74Saving Water in the Bathroom: High-efficiency Toilets and Showers
by Elle MacKenna
Fresh water is a finite resource but nearly half the water that passes through the pipes in a typical home goes to waste. If you live in a “water-rich” region it’s easy to take it for granted but nearly 75% of the states in the U.S. expect a local, regional or statewide water shortage within the next five years. Wasting water depletes this quickly diminishing resource and can cost you money. There are simple ways to cut down your water usage without compromising comfort. Here’s how… published 14 months ago
77Green Roofs: Energy Savings and Much More
by Elle MacKenna
Most green roofs in the United States are on large-scale commercial or public buildings but the residential market is catching up. Green roofs can be installed on traditional residences providing homeowners with a beautiful way to cut down their heating and cooling costs. published 16 months ago
84Costs of Installing Solar Panels for Your Home
by Elle MacKenna
It is exciting to see solar photovoltaic making a strong comeback. Gone are the clumsy installations that plagued the 1970s and welcome new, innovative applications that are integrated into designs. Around... published 11 months ago
73Tankless Water Heaters: Better Energy Efficiency
by Elle MacKenna
In a typical home the energy used to heat water accounts for around 15-20 percent of utility costs. Conventional systems use a storage tank to supply hot water but these can waste energy through standby loss – water that is heated but not used. One way to save energy and cut down the cost of heating your home’s water is by installing a tankless water heater. published 14 months ago
71The Return of the Clothesline Debate
by Elle MacKenna
Clotheslines are both romantic and practical. They have been the backdrop for women's movements, movies and many a warm backyard memory. Before clothes dryers gained popularity as a must have convenience, the... published 8 months ago
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