A new study shows that the price of electricity provided to American homeowners has skyrocketed over the last five years. Energy price research conducted by the USA TODAY shows that we’ve endured the longest consistent stretch of utility bill increases since the 1970s. Today’s average bills represent a $300 annual increase in electric bills over [...]
Most people have a “set and forget” policy for their home thermostat. But what if it’s calibrated incorrectly in the first place? You can check the calibration with a simple test. You can do this one yourself. But if you really want to ensure that you won’t spend more than you need to on [...]
I’ve always maintained that the wallet–not the heart–can drive the nation toward energy efficiency. Despite our most admirable convictions, it’s been the rising cost of energy that has fuelled Americans’ efforts to cut back on burning up energy. Now, even the financial mavens at Yahoo have gotten into the act, advising consumers that the green [...]
As much as we appreciate dimmer switches, they can make low-quality light bulbs flicker and buzz when you turn down the juice. Often the problem is with the bulb and you just need to swap it out for one with a heavier filament. I’d suggest switching to a newer, energy efficient compact fluorescent bulb. Or [...]
I don’t know which is worse in the town where I live–three months of hundred-degree heat or my energy bill! Believe me, I take to heart most of the recommendations I find from other home improvement bloggers. And if your AC bills are catastrophic during the hottest months of the year, you might [...]
Depending on your local building codes, you may be required to have a bathroom fan even if there are windows in the room. Without a fan equipped to handle the job, you’re risking mildew, mold, rot, warping doors and window frames, and paint and wallpaper damage. Be sure to read our informative article on the basics [...]
If you’re looking for a good return on a large remodeling effort this year, consider finishing an empty basement space. While the return on investment (ROI) for remodeling always fluctuates with the economy and the geographical region for each homeowner, recent statistics on 2009 projects show good returns on unfinished basement or lower-level remodeling. Even [...]
It’s not a jolly statistic. The U.S. Fire Administration reports 200 Christmas tree fires a year resulting in more than 30 deaths and injuries—and $6 million in property damage. Worn lighting cords, dry needles and branches tossed into the bright holiday fireplace, and overloaded electrical sockets turn a festive scene into a disaster. It takes [...]
Posting tweet...
