Building & Remodeling

If you have ever read or watched the Harry Potter series you may think that it is all about the forces of good battling the forces of evil. Or you might think it’s just the entertaining...

I'm the kind of person that likes to snoop around construction sites to see how thing are being built and what materials are being used. It really shocks me to see brand new houses here in...

Want to shave your electric bill by a third? Build a solar water heater! They're easy to build, easy to maintain and are great for the environment. Here's some pro's and con's to having one and a...

There are ways to reduce your energy bills, through smart and basic house improvements. What are 'energy' bills? What is meant by energy bills for houseowners, are bills resulting from having...

Installing a steam shower in your home can provide a host of health benefits, including clearer air passages, fewer colds and a general sense of well-being. All of the things that make steam...

Modern metal roofs are made to last---no color fading, rusting, or chalking if the right paints and protective finishes are used. Metal roof colors should retain their original bright and glossy...

Passive solar home design has become big business, but it is not a new concept. In fact, both passive solar and passive cooling techniques, such as window tint, landscaping and building...

There are two federal programs that provide tax credits for homeowners for the purchase of energy conserving and alternative energy items. These purchases will also save the homeowner money in the...

The Cash for Appliances program is almost live and is expected to start in early 2010. Under the new program, energy star rebates can be anywhere from $25 to $200, based on the energy star...

LEDs: light emitting diodes. They're bright, compact, use very little energy, create very little heat, have a long life and they're all the rage. They seem to have several advantages over...

Many people have become interested in renewable energy sources due to rising energy prices and the damage created to the environment by the use of fossil fuels. Improvements in technology have...

Everyone is talking and trying to claim the energy tax credit this year. There are guidelines and rules that apply to qualify for the credit. Everything we do to our homes that are...

The facts are in: alternative green energy techniques can save households tens of thousands in annual utilities bills, and homeowners everywhere are answering the call. By taking your power off...

House wrap, or building wrap, is used in almost all homes built today as a barrier against moisture and wind. It is made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The width of a roll is sufficient to...

Living in a rental place has many positives and negatives. And while everyone is talking about saving money on energy during the winter, some of these advices are a little bit harder to be...

Adding insulation to walls is one of the most difficult home improvements you can do, unless you are already putting up new siding. Although most heat loss occurs through other places in the...

Upgrading to an energy efficient dishwasher can make a big difference in saving water and electricity, and will go a long way in lowering your monthly energy bill as well as your family's carbon...

When an older home is restored and becomes more energy efficient, or 'green', it creates environmental and health benefits. Green homes conserve energy and save money as well as reduce indoor air...

A solar powered home is the dream of many people because of the green awareness movement and the potential to save a lot of money long term by powering your home from the sun and avoiding high...

By programming your electronic thermostat to use your home's heating or cooling system less when you are away from home, the US Department of Energy estimates you could save about $180 per year in...

Weatherizing a home can save roughly 31% of electric energy expenditure. This significant energy efficiency saves money for families and reduces pollution as well. Here’s what you can do to do a...

In recent decades, increasing numbers of conscientious people have begun to view solar power as the future. Despite the enthusiasm for this environmentally friendly energy source, few have...

One way to protect a home against the rising costs of heating is the purchase of a geothermal system. Geothermal heating systems take advantage of the earth's natural heating properties. Although...

The average American house spends 10% of its energy bill to lighting. Using new technology and following some simple steps you can lower electric bill year round, and You can even cut your...

Simple home energy savings tips that can save you big bucks year around by making a few adjustments to your air conditioner.

What to know and ask about when your looking for energy efficient windows. With the right windows you can save as much as 20% off your monthly energy bill. Best of all you can get tax deductions...

Green energy is growing in popularity, and for good reason; it’s safer for the planter, and it makes the energy bill less expensive each month. However, it’s often very expensive to set up....

Rising energy prices, the poor economy, and increasing concern about global warming have caused people to take a new look at being more energy-efficient in their lives, both to save money, and to...

Reducing the amount of energy you use to cool your home is possible. Refer to efficiency ratings for air conditioning units provided by the U.S. Department of Energy. Alternatives to central air...

Solar energy use can be a cost effective and environmentally friendly strategy for powering one's home. With continuous technological improvements, costs have dropped and will continue to do so,...

The price for fuel to heat our homes and run our appliances keeps rising as fossil fuel resources decrease. One option for a clean, free and renewable source of energy is a solar panel system. How...

Insulation is imperative to keep homes at comfortable temperatures without wasting money on heating and air conditioning and wasting non-renewable energy sources. Like many other home improvement...

Solar energy is seen by many as the energy of the future. Several methods exist to produce electricity from the sun.

One important step to take when you start to make changes to your house to save energy, water and money is to figure out where you are starting from, or establish a baseline. If you want to know...

Society has known about the existence of natural gas for centuries, but did not harness it for residential use until 100 years ago. Having a natural gas service installed in your home not only...

With today's interest in low-impact living, many consumers want to reduce their environmental footprint by choosing a green home. While "green" can mean different things to different people, there...

Baseboard heating is a popular option for residential and commercial buildings. The two types of baseboard heaters, while similar in appearance, differ in function, cost and energy efficiency.

Finding cheap ways to insulate a building can be especially challenging, especially once the building is already built. Traditional insulation, especially in walls and attics, is often a major...

Using solar energy is a great way to cut down on your utility cost each month. Most people get a little nervous when it comes to spending a lot of money to install solar panels. You can do it...

One of the best ways to get started on making your home more energy efficient is to determine where your house uses the energy that you pay for every month. A great tool to accomplish this is a...

With high energy bills one may wonder what to do to stay warm and lower the energy cost this winter. Follow these simple steps and you will start noticing the energy bill go down.

According to Remodeling Magazine's 2008-2009 Cost vs. Value Report, mid-range major kitchen remodeling projects yielded a 76 percent return on investment. Even minor kitchen renovation projects...

With the cost of utilities on the rise, plus the general increase in the overall cost of living, it literally pays to increase the energy efficiency of your home.

Photovoltaic cells absorb and transform sunlight into direct current. Panels featuring photovoltaic cells are constructed of chemically treated silicon wafers which are aligned to create an...

Adding a loft conversion to your house is a great way to gain some extra room without building an extension. Loft conversions can still be expensive, however, and there are several things that...

Have you ever wondered how much energy was available in the wind blowing near your home or place of work? Perhaps there is enough energy in the wind to offset some or all of your electricity...

The photovoltaic process harnesses energy from the sun via the reaction between photons and electrons. The photons of light hit the cells and cause electrons in the cells to become excited, thus...

Solar homes are houses that have been designed (ideally) or modified to take advantage of the free energy the sun provides. This is accomplished using several methods ranging from careful design...

With all the types of energy systems available, it is often difficult to choose the best one for your home. If you decide to buy a heat pump unit or you presently own a unit, I am about to tell...

This step in developing your own Home Energy Audit will help you examine the major working parts or the mechanical systems of your home. This may sound complicated, but below is a worksheet that...