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Other Home Projects
Passive Solar Heating Techniques You Can Use in Your Own Home
Want to heat your home without spending a dime on electricity or fuel? It’s definitely possible. We hear a lot about high performance homes that are built with passive solar designs — building structures that capture heat from the sun and use it to keep homes more comfortable naturally, without burning up fuel. In fact,…
Other Home Projects
Your garage may be your sanctuary when you need to get away from it all, but if it’s cold and dreary outside, it’s not fit for even the toughest constitutions. That’s when a little supplemental heat from a portable space heater can really make all the difference, especially for outdoor spaces that only get used occasionally. Unfortunately, space…
Roofing
Is a Flat Roof More Energy Efficient than a Pitched Roof?
Flip through the pages of an architectural design magazine, and you’re bound to see flat-roofed homes by the dozens. Flat or low-sloped roofs may garner designer accolades due to their edgy, modern feel, but there’s a lesser-known reason they’re gaining popularity: according to some building professionals, they’re more energy efficient, too. Flat roofs often get a…
Other Home Projects
The Benefits of Using a Solar Water Pump in Your Garden
Whether it’s the calming burble of a Zen-inspired water fountain or the showy spray of a three-tiered waterfall, a water feature adds a special touch to any garden or outdoor area. Water features can make cramped gardens seem lush and spacious—and cut back on mowing and trimming maintenance. Plus, adding a fountain to your pond…
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…
Roofing
Green Roofs: Examples of Unique Eco-Friendly Roofs
Covering roofs with small plants is becoming increasingly popular, for energy, environmental and aesthetic reasons alike. Here’s an overview of the many benefits creating a green roof confers, along with some suggestions on how to make your own roof greener and more eco-friendly. Benefits of a Green Roof Beyond the aesthetic appeal, there are several benefits…
Solar
Creative Ways Solar Energy Can Power Your Home Office
Every single day, incredible advancements are made in the solar power industry. They offer countless ways to save money and the planet. While solar-powered homes have become mainstream, some homeowners are not ready or cannot afford to go off the grid completely. The good news is that you can install solar energy gradually, one room…