Explore 1,000+ articles designed to guide you through every stage of your home improvement project.
Solar
What Kind of Solar Cells Are Best for Hot Climates
What’s the best spot for a solar installation in a chilly Northeastern home that’s no stranger to a fierce winter blow? Or what about on a hot desert property, that’s sun-drenched 90 percent of the year? Careful—the answer is more complicated than it seems! It’s tempting to think that solar only perform well in sunny, hot…
Decks
5 Decking Options: Compare Price, Longevity, and Maintenance
With warm weather just around the corner, this is the best time to prepare your outdoor space for months of enjoyment. And if you’re considering building or replacing a deck, you probably have plenty of questions about where to start. Here are five different decking options along with a comparison of the cost, look, life…
Solar
Passive Versus Active Solar Hot Water Heaters: Which Is Better?
As a homeowner, having options is great — you wouldn’t want just one paint color to choose from, would you? But it also makes the purchasing process a little bit more complex, especially when it comes to important decisions, like saving energy throughout your home. And when you decide to offset some of your utility…
Bathroom
What You Need to Know About Eco-Friendly Toilets
Eco-friendly toilets, or green toilets, are becoming a priority in many homes because they offer an easy and immediate way to save water. This is particularly true in regions of the U.S. that have been stricken by drought and face water shortages so serious they’ve led to rationing. At the very least, using an eco-friendly…
Other Home Projects
Efficiency Improvements to Pair with Your Solar Installation
There’s a whole lot to love about solar. For less than the price of a new car, you can enjoy reduced energy bills that will pay for your unit many times over in just a few years—and give your home some coveted green cred, too. But a solar energy system is only as efficient as the home…
Kitchen
Formaldehyde-Free Kitchen Cabinets
The home improvement world is full of trends. Shiplap siding, farmhouse sinks, subway tile—it can be hard to keep up with the latest when it changes so often. But there are some trends that are less about looks and more about safety and health, and the composition of your kitchen cabinets is a perfect example. More…
HVAC
Humidifiers and HVAC: What You Need to Know
Too cold in winter or sticky and uncomfortable in summer? Your thermostat may not be the problem. Indoor humidity (the amount of moisture in the air) can change how your home feels, how hard your HVAC system has to work, and whether you’re more likely to deal with issues like musty odors or dry skin.…
HVAC
Can a Water Heater Blanket Save You Money on Your Energy Bills?
There are hundreds of ways you can save money on your energy bills by making your home more energy efficient. One easy way to save on utilities? Using a water heater blanket. It makes a big difference during the colder months, as you can imagine, but it’s also an effective way to save money year-round.…