Explore 1,000+ articles designed to guide you through every stage of your home improvement project.
Other Home Projects
What Is the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency and How Do I Use It?
Rebates, incentives, and loan programs, oh my! When it comes to solar energy and other home efficiency updates, there’s a dazzling variety of ways to save. Your choices range all the way from federal tax incentives right down to rebate programs from your local energy provider. In fact, you could have hundreds of different programs…
Solar
There are dozens of reasons why installing residential solar panels is a great idea. Perhaps the most popular is it will save you money on your electricity bill. In fact, the allure of solar panels for most homeowners is that over their lifespan, they will pay for themselves. To do that, most homeowners will need…
Solar
Understanding the Quality of Different Solar Panels
Every day it seems like solar companies are releasing the most efficient solar panels to date. With so many companies making that claim, it’s difficult to wade through the noise. One useful resource to help you choose is the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), who created standards for manufacturing solar panels under the ISO 9000…
Solar
Installing solar panels is a big investment, even with tax incentives to ease the financial strain. Because of the investment— and their constant exposure to the elements— solar panels need to be able to withstand extreme temperatures, from the blistering hot summers of Arizona, to the bitter cold winters of upstate New York. But how…
Solar
Best Roof Pitch for Solar Panels vs Solar Panel Tilt
There is now enough solar panel capacity to power 18 million American homes, according to the Department of Energy. As solar panel prices have gone down, demand has gone up. There’s a lot to research before installing solar panels — including the solar incentives and rebates out there. So how do you know if solar…
Solar
Questions to Ask Your Contractor About Your New Solar Panel Installation
After you have confirmed that your contractor is an expert and signed your contract, you’re finally ready to reap the bright rewards of solar energy for your home. But you probably still have plenty of questions about what comes next, and what to expect—both during the installation process after. Here’s everything you need to know. What happens…
HVAC
What to Expect During an HVAC Replacement
Upgrading or replacing an HVAC system is a significant home improvement endeavor. Beyond the obvious temperature regulation benefits, it’s a move towards increased energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and long-term cost savings. However, the process can be intricate, from selecting the right unit to understanding installation intricacies. If you’re considering an HVAC replacement, it’s essential…
Windows
Exterior Treatments to Shade Windows from the Sun
One way to use less energy and lower your utility bills is by minimizing the amount of hot sunlight that enters your home through your windows. Here are seven exterior window shades and other window treatment ideas to shade windows from the sun. 1. Awnings Awnings are probably the most common exterior window treatment to…