Best Hubs · by Elle MacKenna · tagged home improvement RSS icon



Sort Results: [ Hot | Best | Latest ]

86

Costs and Benefits of Low Solar Gain Windows

by Elle MacKenna

The shading capacity of low solar gain windows makes them useful in southern climates that have long cooling seasons. While solar gain is just one of many factors that determine a window’s energy performance, understanding the principles, costs and proper applications of low solar gain windows can help you save energy and money...read more published 2 years ago

1 comment    finance home real estate

83

Sound Insulation Options for Homes and Apartments

by Elle MacKenna

Noise pollution is an often overlooked environmental problem. Disturbance from unwanted sound can affect human health and performance, as well as disrupt wildlife. At home, sound insulation is an important... published 15 months ago

0 comments    home how to house

83

Quick & Cheap Ways to Make Windows Energy Efficient

by Elle MacKenna

If you want to boost your home’s energy efficiency the windows are the best place to start. It’s not necessary to invest in replacement windows to boost performance. With some inexpensive materials and a day or two of work you can significantly cut your heating and cooling costs. Here's how... published 2 years ago

1 comment    home how to real estate

82

Green 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 2 years ago

4 comments    home how to real estate

81

How 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 2 years ago

5 comments    finance home how to

78

Refinishing Floors with Health in Mind

by Elle MacKenna

I come from a long-line of do-it-yourselfers and among the bevy of home improvement experiments we’ve refined with practice is floor refinishing. From experience, I can tell you that there are... published 17 months ago

1 comment    home house home improvement

Photo: Leonardo Calvao76

Green Decking Options

by Elle MacKenna

Outdoor living spaces often become the favorite “rooms” of the house because they lend themselves to seasonal traditions and festivities. From enjoying summer BBQs to a quiet swing in the... published 17 months ago

1 comment    home environment house

74

Healthy, Modern Alternatives to Chemically Treated Pools

by Elle MacKenna

Chlorinated pools have been the standard in the United States, an industrial solution to the nasty natural bacteria and pathogens that breed in untreated water. Although chlorine systems are still embraced by many homeowners, healthier pool cleaning processes offer chlorine-free options...read more published 2 years ago

0 comments    health family home

74

Do Air Filtration Systems Work and How Much do they Cost?

by Elle MacKenna

More and more the quality of indoor air is becoming a priority for homeowners. In addition to choosing low-toxic finishes and furnishings, air filtration systems can help improve indoor air by removing... published 15 months ago

0 comments    home house home improvement

74

Costs of R.O. (reverse osmosis) Water for your Home

by Elle MacKenna

Reverse osmosis (R.O.) can reduce contaminants in drinking water, typically dissolved solids and suspended matter - nitrate, sulfate and sodium among them. Coupled with carbon filters, reverse osmosis... published 15 months ago

0 comments    home house home improvement


working