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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
82Is 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
84Eco-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
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
80How 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
83Green 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
78Healthy, 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
81Costs 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
80Earth 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
75Healthy, 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
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