Explore 1,000+ articles designed to guide you through every stage of your home improvement project.
HVAC
Financing an HVAC System: A Checklist for Homeowners
Realizing you need to replace an HVAC system in your home can be a stressful experience, especially if it is an emergency situation in the middle of winter or summer. But at the same time, replacing your AC and heating system is a good thing for your home’s functionality, utility costs, and value. To help…
Windows
A Window Replacement Financing Checklist for Homeowners
Replacement windows are a true investment in terms of the value, comfort, and the aesthetics of your home. As with any investment, window replacements come with a price. The good news is that there are solid window replacement financing options available for your project. Use this checklist to better understand your window financing options and…
Solar
A Solar Panel Financing Checklist for Homeowners
Many homeowners have questions about how they will finance solar panels. Good news: in the last decade, the cost of solar has dropped 70 percent. There are also a plethora of rebates, incentives, and tax credits to support homeowners who want to go solar. Here’s what to consider to ensure solar panels are right for…
Kitchen
Exploring Short and Long-Term Kitchen Savings
If you’re looking for a way to increase the value of your home as you make it more energy-efficient, upgrading your kitchen is a great place to start. And it doesn’t have to break the budget in the process! From finding contractor warranties that cut costs to sourcing affordable materials, kitchen remodels can be completed…
Kitchen
Energy-Efficient Kitchen Appliances and Fixtures
Energy-Efficient Kitchen Appliances and Fixtures A well-loved kitchen is often the centerpiece of a home, but it can also account for a significant portion of your energy bills. In fact, refrigerators and freezers alone can consume up to 20% of a household’s electricity. By upgrading to energy-efficient appliances and fixtures, you can reduce energy use,…
Bathroom
Exploring Short- and Long-term Bathroom Savings
Between bathing and grooming, we really do spend quite a bit of time in our bathrooms. Bathrooms can become one of your home’s more costly rooms — between showers and flushing the toilet, bathrooms use the most water in the entire home. So whether you’re looking to update your bathroom or are doing a complete…
Solar
10 Factors to Consider Before Installing Solar Panels
Whether you’re looking to minimize your carbon footprint, bring down energy bill expenses or increase your home’s ROI, homeowners everywhere are considering the benefits that come with making the switch to solar energy. Still, the process can be daunting and, at times, costly. Modernize interviewed Sunrun to help breakdown the questions and factors that need…
Outdoor
Improving the Energy Efficiency of Hot Tubs
How to Improve the Energy Efficiency of Your Hot Tub While hot tubs are often associated with luxury, their energy usage can surprise many homeowners. However, with a few smart choices, you can significantly improve your hot tub’s energy efficiency — without sacrificing comfort. Here’s how to save energy and lower your utility bills while…