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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…
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…
Windows
How to Reduce Heat Transfer From Windows
If you only worry about your windows during cold winter months, you’re wasting a lot of energy. That’s because windows can allow so much hot air to seep into your living space during the summer—and lose conditioned cool air as well — which makes your home uncomfortable and hikes your AC bill — yikes! But…
Other Home Projects
Tips for Saving Energy in Your Home: Cooling
Climate control is the largest energy expense of a typical U.S. home. It’s easy to cut back a little on water use or turn off the lights when you leave, but it’s harder to make compromises when the comfort of your family and guests is at stake. Thankfully, there are small and moderate energy-saving changes…
Other Home Projects
How to Improve the Energy Efficiency of Your Sunroom
How to Make Your Sunroom Energy Efficient Thinking of building a sunroom but concerned about skyrocketing energy bills? Or perhaps you already have a sunroom but struggle to use it year-round due to temperature issues? Whether you’re retrofitting an existing space or constructing a new one, there are several ways to make your sunroom energy-efficient…
Plumbing
Tips to Save Energy at Home: Water Heating
1. Install Low-Flow Faucets and Showerheads Low-flow faucets and showerheads reduce water use while maintaining strong water pressure, so comfort stays the same. Look for fixtures with the WaterSense label, which certifies efficiency without performance loss. Also check the gallons per minute (gpm) rating — lower numbers mean less hot water used and less energy…
Other Home Projects
Tips for Saving Energy in Your Home: Heating
Heating expenses can get out of hand in the winter months, especially if your home has hidden leaks or large spaces to keep warm. While you can’t avoid the dreaded utility bills, you can lessen the load on your HVAC system and your wallet by making small or moderate improvements—whatever you can manage helps. Here…
Insulation
How to Insulate Your Attic: A Complete Guide
Attic Insulation: A Key to Lower Energy Bills Keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer starts with proper attic insulation. Without it, your HVAC system works overtime, driving up energy bills as heat escapes during winter or infiltrates during summer. The good news? Adding or upgrading attic insulation is a…