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Passive Solar Heating Techniques You Can Use in Your Own Home
Want to heat your home without spending a dime on electricity or fuel? It’s definitely possible. We hear a lot about high performance homes that are built with passive solar designs — building structures that capture heat from the sun and use it to keep homes more comfortable naturally, without burning up fuel. In fact,…
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Installing a Widow’s Walk on Your Roof
If you hail from the New England area—or have just visited Cape Cod—you’re well versed in the distinct charm and quaint appeal that is the rooftop widow’s walk. These features call to mind the deep regional history of the coastal northeast, and they add a unique touch to modern homes in other parts of the…
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Green Your Fireplace with Gas or Woodburning Inserts
According to Punxsutawney Phil, we’re in for a lot more winter weather this year. Luckily for you, that means all the more time you can spend warming yourself by the fireplace. And your time in front of the hearth will be all the more enjoyable when you install a gas or woodburning insert in place…
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Homeowner 101: How to Patch a Drywall Hole
Patching a drywall hole is a skill that intimidates a lot of people—I know because I used to be one of them. But don’t worry, because patching a hole in your drywall seems tougher than it actually is. No matter what your experience level is with home repair, this is something almost everyone can do.…
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Your garage may be your sanctuary when you need to get away from it all, but if it’s cold and dreary outside, it’s not fit for even the toughest constitutions. That’s when a little supplemental heat from a portable space heater can really make all the difference, especially for outdoor spaces that only get used occasionally. Unfortunately, space…
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The Benefits of Using a Solar Water Pump in Your Garden
Whether it’s the calming burble of a Zen-inspired water fountain or the showy spray of a three-tiered waterfall, a water feature adds a special touch to any garden or outdoor area. Water features can make cramped gardens seem lush and spacious—and cut back on mowing and trimming maintenance. Plus, adding a fountain to your pond…
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Insulation Types: Pros and Cons
When it comes to insulating your home, you’ve probably heard about plenty of different methods. But it can be overwhelming to know which type is the best for your home, so we’ve broken it down into your 5 available options, with pros and cons for each. Before You Begin: Choose the Right R-Value Before you…
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How and When to Hire a Chimney Sweep
Did you know that fireplace chimneys need to be cleaned and maintained just like any other piece of equipment in the home? Chimneys that aren’t properly maintained can malfunction in a variety of ways. After enough fire burning, creosote can build up on the inside of your chimney, and if it’s not cleaned, it can…