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77

Pellet 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

1 comment    home energy house

82

Is Wind Power an Option for Homeowners?

by Elle MacKenna

As oil prices continue to climb the focus on renewable energy is becoming more intense and, in many cases, more viable for homeowners. Wind energy is touted as a clean, readily available source but homeowners... published 8 months ago

2 comments    home house wind power

84

Eco-Friendly Paints: Low-VOC Options for the Environment

by Elle MacKenna

Conventional paint has never had a good reputation. It’s smelly, messy, old versions contained lead of all things and over the past decade it’s been tagged as a major indoor air pollutant. Today, thanks to consumer demand for healthier paints that perform, manufacturers are offering low-VOC options that are better people and the environment. published 14 months ago

2 comments    home house property

83

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 15 months ago

5 comments    finance home how to

80

How 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 8 months ago

2 comments    home house healthy living

Photo: Leonardo Calvao83

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 13 months ago

1 comment    home environment house

78

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 15 months ago

0 comments    health family home

81

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 16 months ago

1 comment    finance home real estate

80

Earth Friendly Countertops

by Elle MacKenna

Countertops can add tremendous impact to your home’s interior décor. At the same time, the manufacturing can have a negative impact on the environment. These days the countertop industry is teeming with creative products that offer Earth-friendly options without sacrificing style. published 13 months ago

3 comments    home house construction

75

Healthy, Green Insulation Choices

by Elle MacKenna

(Photo: Yucel Tellici) With materials like soy and mushrooms, today’s green insulation choices can sound more like ingredients for stir fry rather than the components of an energy-efficient home.... published 13 months ago

0 comments    home house construction

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