Ownership
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Home Energy
You’ve considered upgrading energy systems in your home but wonder whether the monthly energy savings will justify the high up-front
Consumers increasingly expect companies to follow environmentally responsible practices in manufacturing and packaging. Most companies strive to attain such standards
Switching to smart light bulbs is a great way to add smart technology to your home. What can smart bulbs
Ductless mini-split heating and air-conditioning units bring climate-controlled air to spaces where traditional ducted systems aren’t feasible. A do-it-yourselfer can
Sometimes you need air conditioning or heat in a home without attic or basement space to run ducts. A ductless
Despite today’s convenience-based culture, raising eco-friendly children is easier than you might think. Here are ten tips to help your
Home Improvements
Consumer advocates say you should hire repair and remodeling contractors who are “licensed, bonded and insured.” What do those terms
Oil stains on your driveway or garage floor are unsightly and stubborn but can be removed or significantly diminished. Here’s
Sterling silver is a precious metal for elegant flatware, serving pieces and jewelry. It requires maintenance to retain its gorgeous
Your appliance colors were stylish when you bought them, but now they are dated. Or perhaps you want to inject
If your home’s exterior is painted, you know the story: That beautiful paint job begins to show wear and tear
Children may complain about chores, but studies show that helping around the house benefits kids into adulthood. Kids are less
Home Technology
Vinyl record albums peaked in the 1970s. But their sales plunged in the following decades as magnetic tape, CDs and
Once upon a time, all televisions came in clunky wooden cabinets we set in our living rooms. Today’s thinner TVs
You probably use your dishwasher daily, so it seems counterintuitive that you must clean the appliance itself. But dirt and
Believe it or not, your washing machine can get dirty. You may be running loads several times a week, but
Microplastics are possibly the most universal pollutant on the planet. Many are so tiny they can’t be seen without magnification.
Digital photo frames are a great way to simplify your home decor while still enjoying cherished family photos. Benefits of
Indoor Living
Since the cave painters, humans have been decorating the walls of their homes. Today’s trendy way to do that is
In many Asian, Eastern European, and Middle Eastern countries, people remove their shoes at entry to their homes and others.
Barbie has long enthralled young girls, but the petite powerhouse seems to be everywhere in the aftermath of the Barbie
Peel-and-stick wallpaper and borders are more popular than ever. Peel and stick is simple: no water, glue or mess. Is
Adding to your cat family is exciting, but the process can be frightening for the new kitten. And the cat
Pumpkins can add a warm and homey touch to your decor throughout the fall, not just at Halloween. Consider these
Outdoor Living
Flowers such as gardenias or azaleas typically grow from the ground or on bushes. Take flowers to the next level
Overseeding can reinvigorate lawns where the grass has developed thin patches. In some parts of the country, homeowners can also
Owls are amazing birds. They make good neighbors, eating mice and rats around your property. If you want to attract
Homeowners’ encounters with black bears are increasing in America, partly because neighborhoods are expanding into bears’ natural habitats. These encounters
Heavy rainfall runoff can be detrimental to your home, your landscape, and the environment. A creative solution to that gully
Lawn mowing can be a tedious and tiring chore. What if there were a way to turn that drudgery into
Shopping Guides
We’ve all seen those “Best By,” “Sell By,” and “Use By” dates on foods such as meat, milk, and canned
You may have been puzzled by acronyms on the label when buying sheets or towels. OEKO-TEX®? GOTS? What do these
A cozy mattress and the perfect pillow are vital to a good night’s sleep but don’t overlook the importance of
So-called “junk fees” – also known as service charges, termination fees, convenience fees and administrative costs – can take you
You may be loyal to your gas or electric stove, but induction cooking deserves a second look. The recent Consumer
When you buy your first home, friends and family shower you with “housewarming” gifts that mostly center around decor and