Increase Comfort and Reduce Energy Bills This Winter

Windows and exterior doors are, of course, necessary elements of any home, but if they are old and drafty, you may wonder about how to make them more energy efficient.  Whether you live in an historic home, or a home that has only single-pane windows, there are some relatively inexpensive and easy fixes you can [...]

Affordable Solar Tube Skylights Brighten Up Interior Spaces

Want to shed some light on that dark area of your home or commercial building without turning on the lights and driving up your electric bill?  A great solution is to install solar tubes, aka sun tunnels, which are easily retrofitted into existing buildings.  In fact, depending on the Energy Star rated system you choose, [...]

High Cost Heating Bills Make Renewable Energy More Attractive

If high-cost heating and electric bills are making this winter unbearable for you this winter, perhaps it’s time to consider clean, renewable energy options.  It’s a perfect time, since generous state and federal tax credits, rebates, grants, and loan programs are available for those who install solar energy systems, small wind systems, geothermal heat pumps, [...]

Save Energy and Money This Winter

It’s easy to increase your home’s energy efficiency and comfort, while reducing your heating bills this winter.  All around the house, there are ways to increase the “cozy quotient”, take the “chill out of the air” and save money on your energy bills. Plus, you’ll enjoy current Federal Tax Credits for many improvements.

Increase the Efficiency of Your Existing Fireplace

A roaring fireplace definitely seems warm and inviting on cold winter nights, but many older fireplaces are only 10% efficient! How does improved comfort, energy conservation, reduced energy costs, reduced noise, and improved indoor air quality sound? Here are some tips to increase your fireplace’s efficiency:

Energy Efficient LED Holiday Lighting

Looking for a way to brighten up both the interior and exterior of your home for the holidays without running up your electricity bill?  Super efficient LEDs, or Light Emitting Diodes, are the answer!  LEDs use 80-90% less energy than conventional incandescent lighting, plus they don’t heat up like incandescents.  In addition, they last much [...]

Tax Credits for Efficient Wood-burning and Pellet Stoves

Not only will adding a new, clean-burning wood or pellet stove keep your home warm and toasty this winter, but efficient models will qualify for a federal tax credit of up to $1500!  A new stove can provide your home’s primary source of heat, or simply supplement it, and of course it’ll add ambiance to [...]

Green Kitchen and Bath Makeovers, Part II

In part I of my series on eco-friendly kitchen and bath makeovers, I focused on easy and inexpensive ways to update these much lived-in rooms.  In the next few posts, you’ll find helpful information for those of you who need to undertake more substantial improvements.  Here, I’ll focus on the important aspects of saving energy [...]

Keep Old Windows In Place, Yet Still Increase Energy Efficiency

We’ve all heard that replacement windows are the way to go if you want to increase the energy efficiency of your home and building (and reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with generating energy).  While it’s true that they will reduce heating and cooling bills, the up-front investment may not be in the budget.  However, there [...]

Make Your Home More Efficient this Fall

As cooler temperatures start to set in this Autumn, it’s a reminder that we’ll soon be spending more time indoors.  To increase your home’s efficiency and comfort levels in the upcoming winter months, there are a few things to keep in mind.  All around the home, from the heating system and the fireplace to insulation [...]

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