• Appliances

    5 members

    When it's time to replace that old fridge, or other appliances, take time to shop smart. At a minimum, look for the ENERGY STAR rating.

  • Choosing a Good Contractor

    4 members

    If your project goes much beyond replacing lights and a few appliances, you would probably benefit from using a home performance contractor.

  • DIY Energy Audits

    6 members

    Opportunities for do-it-yourself energy projects extend deeper into your home than just weather-stripping the front doorway. 

  • Benchmarking

    5 members

    What is your home's energy IQ? Benchmarking establishes a baseline for your home and helps to track performance.

  • Water & Water Heating

    5 members

    Water is an essential and limited resource, not to be wasted. Treating and pumping water to your home consumes energy. Heating that water consumes even more energy; it accounts for 15–40% of a household’s energy bill.

  • Attics, Basements, Garages

    8 members

    Attics, basements, garages, crawl spaces, and porches can have a tremendous impact on whether your home is too hot, too cold, too damp—or too expensive to operate.

  • Floor Plan

    5 members

    The layout of your house—the size and shape of the rooms and how those spaces relate to each other and to the outdoors—has a big impact on how you and your family feel about being at home. It also plays a role in your home’s consumption of energy and other resources.

  • Air Sealing

    7 members

    Your home’s boundary between outdoors and indoors should keep the weather and unwelcome critters outside.

  • Energy - general reading

    6 members

    No matter what level of remodel you’re planning—whether it’s installing a new toilet or stripping your house down to the framing, it’s smart to include energy improvements.

  • Ventilation

    6 members

    Ventilation is about bringing fresh air into your home, with the dual goals of controlling moisture and maintaining good Indoor Air Quality (IAQ).

  • Goals

    4 members

    When remodeling beckons, the urge to do something is almost irresistible. Some homeowners grab their tool belts and start swinging the crowbar or the hammer with scarcely a thought about their ultimate goals. But the wiser course of action often begins with planning.

  • Where to Begin

    6 members

    Whether you’re buying a new water heater or remodeling your entire house, tackling home improvement may seem overwhelming. But information and good planning can put you back in charge.

  • Lighting

    4 members

    Some experts estimate that lighting represents 20% of all residential electrical energy use. Through thoughtful design and selection, you can cut that amount in half.

  • Financing

    5 members

    You’ve got the desire, you’re ready to start planning your home-improvement project—but how will you pay for it? These days, is it smarter to pay cash or borrow? And how can you evaluate the array of lending and rebate programs?

  • Insulation

    5 members

    Better insulation can save energy and lower your heating and cooling costs; increase your comfort by making house temperature more uniform; reduce the required size of your heating and cooling equipment; reduce the risk of wintertime condensation indoors; and reduce noise transmission from outside.

  • Doors & Windows

    7 members

    Making good choices about your windows and doors can greatly improve your home’s operating costs, comfort, and appeal.

  • Heating

    7 members

    Wondering why your thermostat is set on low, but your heating bills come in high? If you’ve already sealed up air leaks and beefed up your insulation as needed, the problem could be a poorly functioning heating system, very leaky ducts, or even a faulty thermostat.

  • Cooling

    8 members

    Do you need air conditioning to feel comfortable in summer? If so, you might be wondering: Is there any way to make air conditioning cost less? How can I choose the best A/C for my house? Is it possible to feel cool without air conditioning?

  • Manage Your Home

    7 members

    Good home management will help you save you more energy and money; give you greater control over your energy use; lower the likelihood of power blackouts; help you avoid costly repairs by doing regular maintenance; and help you stay organized and plan for future improvements.

  • Construction

    3 members

    Communicating with your construction professionals and your building department can make or break a project.