Time running out to earn tax credits on new garage doors
The tax credit eligibility for qualified garage doors will expire on Dec. 31. Now is your last chance to save 30 percent off the price of an energy-saving curb-appeal-inspiring garage door, courtesy of the U.S. government.
Saving energy in your home may be easier than you think
Whether you are looking to conserve energy or save money, reviewing the EnergyGuide label on appliances and looking for the ENERGY STAR label on appliances, electronics and other energy-using products is a great way to identify the most energy-efficient products on the market.
When you think of soft water, the first thing that probably comes to mind is lustrous, easy-to-manage hair. Another benefit is washing clothes in the water leaves them softer and saves a significant amount of detergent. Best of all, when cleaning, you don't get that ugly bathtub ring. By eliminating hard water minerals, you can see health and cosmetic benefits as well as reduce the maintenance costs associated with scale buildup in home plumbing.
Automobiles are as American as baseball and apple pie. Admit it, you can't remember the last time you walked or biked to get somewhere. Your car is just too convenient a mode of transportation, but it may be time to rethink your ways.
With so many products claiming to be green these days, it's hard to know which ones are the real deal. A great indicator for certified sustainability in the bathroom is the WaterSense label, which is granted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). By learning how (and which) products meet the criteria, you can easily incorporate the best - and most eco-friendly - products into your bath.
Thanks to the federal tax credit program, you can recoup 30 percent of the total installed cost of a solar water heating system. It's a great time to switch to solar power for your water heating needs. But before you buy a solar water heater, do your homework, learn about the technologies available and review just how solar-friendly your home can be.
Exotic hardwoods that keep the environment in mind
Thanks to responsible forestry practices, sustainable forestry certification and manufacturer innovation, visually appealing hardwoods can now be part of an environmentally conscious home.
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What's your water footprint and why is it critical for you reduce it?
What's the one natural resource you rely on most in a day? If you think about it from the first things you do in the morning, to the chores you do, to the last things you do to wrap up your day, you'll likely conclude it's water. We use it for showering, brushing teeth, flushing the toilet, washing dishes, cleaning, cooking, drinking and more - without water, we'd be lost. The problem is, high demand is leading to concerns about water shortages. With fresh water supplies diminishing because of misuse and pollution, the worldwide water crisis will eclipse many other environmental issues in the coming years. That's why it's so important to learn what your water footprint is and how you can begin reducing it now.
For most people, the start of cooling temperatures in the back half of the year means more time spent at home. Take advantage of the time you're spending at home by making sure you're not using any more energy than you need to. Fortunately, there are many options to cutting down on energy use and with the tax credits expiring at the end of 2010, now is the time to take action.
Five innovations to make your home more energy-efficient this winter
Old Man Winter brings a variety of gifts for us each year - cold winds, snow and, of course, higher energy bills. You can't control the cold and the snow, but you do have a little control over how much energy you will use this winter. With today's technological advances, it has never been easier to lessen your impact on the power grid and reduce your heating bills.
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