Protecting Your Septic System: The 4 Things You Should Be Doing

Hidden underground somewhere near your house, your septic tank is out of sight and probably out of mind. Septic tanks are easy to ignore until something goes wrong; then they become impossible to ignore. Take these four simple precautions to protect your septic system and prevent disruptive problems. Read More »

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Why NATE Certification Matters When You’re Looking For A Heating And Cooling Contractor

Why NATE Certification Matters When You're Looking For A Heating And Cooling ContractorNext to your house and vehicles, your HVAC system may be your largest investment, especially in home comfort. When you need a new system, maintenance or service, choosing technicians with NATE certification assures you that you’re getting the best in the industry. Read More »

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The MERV Filter That’s Best For Your Family’s Health And Your Furnace Efficiency

It isn’t always easy to decide which MERV filter is right for your unique household situation. That being said, it’s a decision most homeowners will at some point need to make, and fortunately, there are some guidelines you can follow to help make it a simpler process. Read More »

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Water-Heating Costs: 3 Ways To Ease The Drain On Your Pocketbook

Water-Heating Costs: 3 Ways To Ease The Drain On Your PocketbookDon’t send any more money down the drain than is necessary to heat your home’s water. Are you surprised to find out that water-heating costs are likely your home’s third-highest energy expense? That’s what the U.S. Department of Energy tells us, along with their recommendations to help lower your utility bills. Read More »

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Choosing A Heat Pump: 6 Things To Keep In Mind

When chosen and installed properly, heat pumps are designed to maximize heating and cooling efficiency over traditional comfort systems. However, if you don’t match your home’s needs with the correct pump, you won’t save as much money as possible on your energy bills. Read More »

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Considering A Tankless Water Heater? Here’s What You Need To Know

Considering A Tankless Water Heater? Here's What You Need To KnowTankless water heaters, also called demand or instantaneous heaters, heat the water when you turn on the hot-water faucet. This is more energy efficient than keeping a large tank full of water hot and ready for instant use, as is the case with a traditional storage water heater. The tankless water heater uses gas or electricity to heat the water as it travels through the pipes, which can save money and energy over a standard water heater that has to keep water warm even when it’s not being used. Read More »

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Your Indoor-Air Quality May Be Suffering Because Of Emissions In Your Garage — Here’s Why

Did you know that your attached garage may be filling your home with unwanted air pollution? If your garage is not sealed off from the rest of your house, harmful chemicals and gasses may enter your home. This pollution can be harmful to your health, especially if members of your family suffer from allergies or asthma. You can improve indoor-air quality by taking the following actions: Read More »

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The Energy-Star Yardstick: Find Out How You Measure Up

The Energy-Star Yardstick: Find Out How You Measure UpIf you’re like most Americans, you’d agree that energy costs are getting out of control. Comparing energy companies for the best rates only seems to decrease your bills marginally, and persuading the kids to turn off lights is a hopeless cause. Luckily, the Energy Star Yardstick is here to help you. Read More »

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Factors That Will Affect Your Savings With A Solar System

Switching your home’s heating and air conditioning to a solar system is an easy way to make an impact on both the environment and your energy bill. However, several factors can influence how much money solar energy will save you, and these should be carefully considered when planning the installation of your solar system. Read More »

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Greening Your Kitchen: Remodeling For Energy Efficiency, Family Health And Sustainability

Greening Your Kitchen: Remodeling For Energy Efficiency, Family Health And Sustainability “Greening” your home – making it more energy efficient and reducing its impact on the environment – benefits not only you and your family but your entire community. The kitchen, often the most active and energy-intensive room in the house, is a good place to start planning your own green-home revolution. Remodeling your kitchen with the following tips in mind will make your house a greener, more efficient and more cost-effective space. Read More »

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