Explore 1,000+ articles designed to guide you through every stage of your home improvement project.
Generators
15 Practical Ways Homeowners Can Use a Generator
More Than Just Backup Power When people think about generators, they often picture them humming away during a blackout. While that is their most common role, generators are surprisingly versatile. From protecting your home during emergencies to powering up backyard celebrations, they can provide reliable electricity in many situations that would otherwise cause major inconvenience.…
Generators
Diesel Generator Maintenance Made Simple: 10 Must-Know Steps
Why Regular Generator Care Matters A diesel generator can be a rock-solid backup power source, but like any engine, it needs consistent care to keep running reliably. Skipping maintenance can lead to costly repairs, inefficient performance, or — worst case — a total breakdown when you need it most. The good news? Diesel generator upkeep…
Windows
Reducing the amount of air leakage in your home is a cost-effective way to decrease heating and cooling costs, improve durability, increase comfort, and create a healthier indoor environment. To prevent air leakage, homeowners can explore window caulking. Use caulk to seal, or reseal, windows from the outside elements. Caulk is an affordable, flexible substance…
HVAC
How to Save on Your Electric Bill
When the temperature rises, utility bills tend to do the same. Fortunately, there are plenty of simple changes you can make that will reduce your monthly bills without sacrificing comfort. Here are our top energy-efficient tips for how to save on your electric bill and other utility bills this summer. 1. Use a Programmable Thermostat…
Other Home Projects
What Is the HERS Index and Why Does It Matter for My Home?
Want to reduce your home’s energy use? Well, then you’re probably going to want to make some improvements around your home. But which ones? And what should you focus on first? That’s where an energy evaluation can help. The first step in many residential energy overhauls is to have an energy audit performed. Professionally trained…
HVAC
The Most Energy-Efficient Radiator Heater Covers
Your home’s big, old-fashioned radiators may have seem quaint when you moved in, but they can seriously clash with modern decor updates. But where there’s a decorating challenge, there are always solutions, and radiator heater covers have them in spades. If you’ve considered covering your radiator, you may be asking yourself if that will limit your…
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…