As temperatures dip across the country, most homeowners are seeing their utility bills increase. However, for those homes outfitted with geothermal heating systems, the utility bills are relatively miniscule, as they have been all year. Price remains a sticking point among many in the residential building market. They relish the thought of low utility bills, […]

Looking back at 2014, several trends emerged as high performance home building and products move into the mainstream marketplace. As the marketplace shifts from an emphasis on new single-family homes to multi-family and remodeling existing dwellings, green homes continue to grow in prominence. Green attitudes are gaining ground, but green purchases and behaviors are stagnant, […]

It shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone that green home renovation has really taken off over the last few years. Did you know that one of the best ways to make your home insulated and "green" is to get your garage door up to snuff? If you think about it, it makes a lot of […]

Reusing greywater is the next frontier in battling drought and rising utility costs, and new technology is making it easier to adapt new or existing homes to use less water. Greywater is wastewater from any source other than toilets and urinals, such as bathtubs, sinks, etc.  It accounts for the largest portion of wastewater from […]

While insulating walls is a key factor in energy savings, shutters and sunscreens can function as dynamic insulation to make your home more comfortable and save energy. When they’re motorized, it’s even easier for these home elements to preserve indoor heat. There are many recent developments in motorized shading systems, including the new myLink remote […]

Interior painting is one of the highest risk factors for exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOC). The United States Environmental Protection Agency has found that indoor VOC levels are 10 times greater than outdoor levels, and immediately after paint is applied, VOC levels may be 1,000 times higher. Unfortunately, VOCs are also released long after […]

As prices continue to fall for residential solar installations, there’s still the question of whether a particular home site could generate enough power for an investment in solar panels to pay off. A new online tool, at Solview.com, may help make it easier for homeowners and contractors to know a home’s solar energy production potential. […]

While going off the grid entirely may be difficult for many homeowners, generating some of a home’s electrical needs is definitely doable. The payoff depends on the tax incentives from the U.S government, state governments and local utilities. Make sure you understand your utility company’s net-metering policies, which allow you to sell excess electricity to […]

Choosing a light bulb can be a big decision these days. Many people have used compact fluorescent light bulbs for years, which provide some energy savings compared to incandescent bulbs, but LEDs can provide even more savings, and for a longer period of time. According to Consumer Reports, LEDs can last anywhere from 20,000 to […]

Conditioned air is critical in locations like art galleries, museums and other specialized buildings where the lack of elevated levels of humidity can wreak havoc on commodities inside. The concept of protecting valuables through building design is one building science experts routinely promote to home-builders. In fact, some experts tell prospective homeowners to look at […]