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90Quick & 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
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 18 months ago
87Costs 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
85How to Avoid Chemicals in Everday Household Products
by Elle MacKenna
Recent news headlines are drawing attention to the fact that many common household items contain dangerous chemicals. A national study on chemical exposure called Is It In Us? recently revealed that... published 11 months ago
83Pellet 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 17 months ago
81Is Bamboo a Sustainable Building Material?
by Elle MacKenna
Bamboo flooring has gained considerable attention in sustainable design because it is a hardy, durable product from a renewable resource which helps deter harvesting of old-growth forests for wood products. However, production of bamboo flooring has social impacts on labor, requires transit energy, contains little to no recycled material, can negatively impact ecosystems and can have a negative affect on indoor air quality. published 16 months ago
80Green 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 16 months ago
80How 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 18 months ago
80Choosing Sustainable Kitchen Cabinets
by Elle MacKenna
I find cabinetmakers to be among the most skilled and engaged tradespeople. In the green building industry this quality is elevated with creative and innovative techniques for harvesting and crafting wood... published 16 months ago
80Sound 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 14 months ago
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