Chronic peeling paint on the interior or exterior of your house is usually the result of moisture migrating through the walls and against the back of the paint film. Eventually, this causes the film to crack and peel. As long as the…
Homeowners dread water problems in the basement for good reason. Not only is removing water from basements a nuisance, but some basements’ susceptibility to water damage render them practically useless—they can’t function as living spaces or even reliable storage spaces. Basement construction…
Gutters are channels that run along the side of your house’s roof to catch and usher off the rainwater. Gutters are a major source of troublesome leaks. Clogged Gutters Though gutters direct water away from a house, they’re so prone to clogging…
The most common home water problems are leaks or flooding from various sources and contamination of your home’s water supply. Leaks and Flooding The most frequent entry points through which water can enter your home (from the top of the house down)…
After your home, your car is likely the second-biggest energy (and money) user in your everyday life. Car Efficiency Basics Keeping your car in good working order not only saves you money but makes your car less likely to break down. To…
Your lawn and landscaping can have a significant impact on your overall home’s energy efficiency. Landscape Efficiently Planting your yard with native plants, instead of water- and pesticide-intensive foreign plants, will save you time (through less upkeep) and money (since native plants…
If all American homes switched to energy-efficient appliances over the next 15 years, we would collectively save $100 billion in utility bills and keep the equivalent of 17 million cars’ worth of greenhouse emissions out of the air. EnergyGuide Those bright yellow…
One-third of a home’s heat loss occurs through poorly sealed doors and windows, costing the typical homeowner hundreds of dollars a year. How to Seal Your Existing Windows Make sure that your windows are double-glazed (or triple-glazed in very cold climates) and…
Unlike the harsh energy-saving lightbulbs of the past, newer energy-efficient bulbs can save you even more money while producing warm and comfortable light. As a bonus, you won’t have to change them as often. Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs Incandescent bulbs use only 10%…
Along with heating, cooling is one of the largest and most expensive uses of energy in the home. Make sure to run heat-generating devices, such as washers, dryers, and ovens, at night or in the morning to reduce stress on your air…
