There are many benefits to having an energy-efficient outdoor shop or barn. Aside from saving energy, an efficient outdoor building can keep the environment around your structure healthy and safe; save money on your water bill; keep your animals happier and healthier; and save you from costly structural repairs. Whether you are looking to build… Continue reading.

Gone are the days when a simple flip of the switch was the only choice for illuminating our homes. While we still have this tried-and-true option, we’ve entered a new era of innovative and intelligent technologies, which includes smart lighting.  Smart lighting connects to Wi-Fi and offers an array of cutting-edge functionality and convenience. Let’s… Continue reading.

Forced air heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems require effective air filtration for optimum energy efficiency, maintaining clean(ish) ductwork and good indoor air quality. Air filters should be changed regularly. How often they need changing depends upon a number of factors including, but not limited to: Presence of pets that shed Amount of carpeted… Continue reading.

Small space heaters are meant to do exactly as their name says: heat a small space. But unfortunately, many people use portable space heaters to heat their entire home, which can really take a toll on your energy bills. The truth is, whether you should use space heaters really depends on your home’s efficiency and… Continue reading.

Whether you’ve already decked your halls or you’re just getting started, there’s still time to incorporate energy savings into your holiday décor planning.  If you haven’t strung your twinkle lights, be sure to use LED light strands. LEDs consume far less energy than incandescent lights and they can last 40 holiday seasons. They’re also safer… Continue reading.

Who has to time to save energy? You’re a busy person; we get that. If you spend your life thinking about energy efficiency, well, you’d probably be working for us. But even though you might not have 40 hours a week to spend noodling over ways to save energy, there’s still lots you can do… Continue reading.

You go shopping for a new refrigerator, and you’re on a budget. The best buy is the fridge with the lowest sales price, right? Not necessarily. The reason? The cost of owning a home appliance has three components: the initial purchase price, the cost of repairs and maintenance, and the cost to operate it. To… Continue reading.

BY GARRETT KEISER After working  in the backyard, a swimming pool provides the perfect summer retreat. But who wants it to be a wallet drain? Soak up these pool efficiency tips to save money while maintaining your personal, pristine oasis. Each pool is equipped with an energy guzzler: the pump. The bigger the pump, the… Continue reading.

Your clothes washer and dryer account for a significant portion of energy consumption from major appliances, and let’s face it––laundry is no one’s favorite chore. Make the most of your laundry energy use! There are several easy ways you can save energy (and money) in the laundry room. The Department of Energy recommends the following… Continue reading.

Whether your oven and stove top are powered by gas or electricity, it is no secret that they consume more energy than smaller countertop appliances, like slow cookers and toaster ovens. In addition to efficiency, smaller kitchen appliances can provide faster cooking times and less hassle with cleanup.  If you’re looking for convenient cooking methods… Continue reading.

2020 has been, without a doubt, an unusual year for all of us. As we look toward the end of the year, one thing that we can always count on is the joy of the holiday season.  One of my greatest joys is holiday decorating.  If you are like me and are looking to refresh… Continue reading.

Electronics, mobile devices, TVs, computers, and gaming stations have become fixtures in our homes,  particularly those with children. Consumer electronics coupled with the more and more smart home appliances, technology, and electric vehicles have slowly but steadily changed our homes and lifestyles. COVID-19 is forcing us to spend more time at home and has forced… Continue reading.