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Other Home Projects
Did you know that solar panel uses go beyond traditional installations on home rooftops? From solar ovens to solar swimming pool heaters, there is a solar energy solution for all of your energy needs. Solar panels can be made as small as those found on calculators or as large as the roof on your home,…
Windows
Energy-Efficient Skylights: What to Know
Choosing the Right Skylight for Energy Efficiency Skylights are among the hardest-working windows in your home, offering natural light, improved ventilation, and an added sense of space. When selected carefully, they can reduce reliance on artificial lighting and help manage heat, ultimately lowering energy costs. However, not all skylights are created equal, especially in terms…
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…
Solar
Do Solar Panels Increase Your Home’s Value?
Whether you’re looking to make your home more eco-friendly or simply interested in reducing your power bill, you’ve likely considered solar panels. But there’s so much to factor in when taking on this investment, including whether or not solar panels will increase your home’s value. So, what are the long-term benefits and the up front…
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…