Remodel or Rebuild Your Home? 4 Differences You Should Know
August 22, 2018
Wondering whether you should remodel vs. rebuild your existing home? Home improvements and property upgrades represent major expenses for most homeowners—and you want to get the best return on your investment.
That means you need to understand the big differences between a remodel vs. a rebuild in terms of time, budgets, permits, and contractor needs. Without proper planning, budgeting, and long-term investment consideration, you could wind up “over-building” your property, losing out on money in the long run.
The earth’s average annual temperature continues to rise, and the last two years have been the warmest in recorded history. Hotter temps are becoming a fact of life for everyone.
Advances in Solar for 2018 and Beyond: How Homeowners Can Benefit
July 2, 2018
In 2016, U.S. solar installations nearly doubled, and solar energy had more electricity-generating capacity than any other energy source in the country. This spells good news for homeowners interested in making clean energy upgrades on their property.
How to Choose the Best Air Conditioner for Your Home
May 21, 2018
Get your air conditioner ready, because summer is almost here, and it’s time for vacations, poolside drinks, and … bigger electric bills? According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average American’s electricity bill will increase by about 2.3 percent this summer—and some homeowners might see bills that top $400 per month!
As much as most of us love summer, there’s one big downside that comes with the heat: more use of air conditioning and fans equals higher utility bills.
5 Benefits of Upgrading Your Air Conditioning System This Summer
April 25, 2018
Ah, summer. Hot days at the pool, followed by cool nights in the air-conditioned comfort of your home. Sounds fantastic … until your old air conditioner can’t keep up with the heat and humidity, and you can’t keep up with the high utility bills rolling in.
8 Tips for Buying Energy Efficient Appliances in 2020
April 23, 2018
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) encourages homeowners to consume less energy by changing the way they use their appliances. For example, you can save money on your electricity, gas, and water bills by only washing full loads in your machine and using cold water settings whenever possible. You could also air dry clothes (by hanging them outside on a line) during warmer months to avoid using the dryer altogether.
Everyone wants to lower their monthly utility bills, and one of the best ways to do it is upgrading your bathroom for energy efficiency. While the bathroom might be one of the smallest rooms in a home in terms of square footage, but it’s actually one of the more costly when it comes to utilities.
Energy-Efficient Ways to Get Fresh Air Indoors in Winter
March 2, 2018
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) contends that indoor air quality is often worse than outdoor air quality. The obvious solution to indoor pollution problems is to ventilate your home to introduce fresh air and/or remove pollutants, but this can be challenging during the wintertime in cooler climates.
While open windows and fans can bring fresh air inside, this action naturally allows heat to escape.
A water heater may be a basic component of your home, but it is essential for comfort and convenience. Not all of these appliances are created equal in terms of energy efficiency. So, how do you know if it’s time to upgrade?
On average, a water heater accounts for 18 percent of a home’s overall energy usage, which translates to about $170 to $300 per year in operating costs.
Skylights are much more than design elements. They can provide natural light, and when strategically placed, these roof-top windows can help heat and cool a building using the principles of ventilation and solar gain. As a result, skylights can assist in reducing energy costs on both lighting and climate control.
