Home & Living

All Home & Living Stories


Resources for a Mold-Free Home

Part 5 of Mold: Enemy of a Healthy Home. The following table provides selected links with additional information on mold and mold contamination issues in homes. Sponsoring Organization/Topic Internet

Read the rest this article free


Methods Used To Mitigate Mold Hazards In The Home

Part 4 of Mold: Enemy of a Healthy Home. Guidelines for Mitigation and Personal Protection Common intervention methods reported in the literature for residential mitigation of mold hazards include:

Read the rest this article free


Methods Used To Assess Mold Hazards In The Home

Part 3 of Mold: Enemy of a Healthy Home. In general, visual observation of active or past microbial growth, or measurement of mold in dust or samples of source

Read the rest this article free


Extent And Nature Of Mold Hazards In The Home

Part 2 of Mold: Enemy of a Healthy Home. Environmental and Housing Factors Affecting Mold Growth In indoor environments, mold originates from two sources: mold infiltrating from outdoors (e.g.,

Read the rest this article free


Mold: Enemy of a Healthy Home, Overview

Part 1 of Mold: Enemy of a Healthy Home. There are over 200 species of fungi to which people are routinely exposed indoors and outdoors. These include mold-like fungi,

Read the rest this article free


Other sources of financial assistance for home repair and retrofitting

Part 2 of Financial assistance for home repair and retrofitting. Help from Other Federal Agencies Several Federal agencies offer disaster assistance to communities and citizens. For a complete list

Read the rest this article free


FEMA assistance for home repair and retrofitting

Part 1 of Financial assistance for home repair and retrofitting. FEMA and other Federal agencies have an array of financial assistance programs that assist States, communities, and individual property

Read the rest this article free


In depth: Advantages of LED Lighting

Part 2 of Advantages of LED Lighting. Directional Light Emission Traditional light sources emit radiant energy in all directions. As such, an optical system—a lamp housing or a luminaire,

Read the rest this article free


Advantages of LED Lighting

Part 1 of Advantages of LED Lighting. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are often touted for their energy efficiency and long life. Although these are important considerations, selecting a light source

Read the rest this article free


Understand High Efficiency Water Heater Technologies

Understand High Efficiency Water Heater Technologies

High Efficiency Water Heaters Provide Hot Water for Less Heating water accounts for approximately 15% of a home’s energy use. High efficiency water heaters use 10 to 50% less

Read the rest this article free


11 Easy Tips to Lower Monthly Energy Bills

Being an energy-smart consumer means getting the most from the energy you use: Lower your thermostat in winter and bump it up in summer before you go to sleep

Read the rest this article free


xxx

Flood Insurance Rate Maps

Part 3 of Floodplain Construction Regulations. To provide communities with the information they need to enact and enforce floodplain management ordinances or laws, FEMA conducts floodplain studies for communities

Read the rest this article free


The Community Flood Rating System

Part 2 of Floodplain Construction Regulations. The NFIP Community Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum

Read the rest this article free


Floodplain Construction Regulations

Part 1 of Floodplain Construction Regulations. In most communities throughout the United States, construction in floodplains is governed by combinations of Federal, State, and local regulations. At the Federal

Read the rest this article free


Flood Debris Impact and Other Hazards

Flood Debris Impact and Other Hazards

Part 6 of How Can A Flood Damage Your Home. Floodwaters can pick up and carry objects of all types – from small to large, from light to heavy

Read the rest this article free


Effects of Flood Rates of Rise and Duration

Part 5 of How Can A Flood Damage Your Home. Rates of Rise and Fall You may not have heard these terms before, but they describe important characteristics of

Read the rest this article free


Flood Frequency Defined

Part 4 of How Can A Flood Damage Your Home. You may have been told that your home is in “the 100-year” floodplain, or you may have heard that

Read the rest this article free


What is Flood Flow Velocity?

What is Flood Flow Velocity?

Part 3 of How Can A Flood Damage Your Home. Flow velocity is the speed at which floodwaters move. It is usually measured in feet per second (fps). Flow

Read the rest this article free


Flood Depth and Elevation Effects On Your Home

Flood Depth and Elevation Effects On Your Home

Part 2 of How Can A Flood Damage Your Home. The depth and elevation of flooding are so closely related that, for the purposes of this discussion, they can

Read the rest this article free


How Can A Flood Damage Your Home

Part 1 of How Can A Flood Damage Your Home. To understand how flooding can damage your home, you need to know about six important flood characteristics: depth/elevation, flow

Read the rest this article free


Top 10 Tips to Stay Cool & Save Money in the Summer

Use these Easy and inexpensive solutions for business or home to stay cool and comfortable without stressing your pocket book.

Read the rest this article free


How to Size a Grid-Connected Solar Electric System for Your Home

How to Size a Grid-Connected Solar Electric System for Your Home

The easiest way to size your solar electric system is to have a vendor come to your home and perform a site analysis and load assessment. Solar electric vendors

Read the rest this article free


Weatherize Your Home: Weatherstripping

Weatherize Your Home: Weatherstripping

Part 3 of Weatherize Your Home. Selection Weatherstripping can seal leaks around movable joints, such as windows or doors. You need to choose a type of weatherstrip-ping that will

Read the rest this article free


Weatherize Your Home: Caulking

Weatherize Your Home: Caulking

Part 2 of Weatherize Your Home. Selection You can use a caulking compound to seal leaks in a variety of places throughout your home, including around windows and door

Read the rest this article free


Weatherize Your Home: Assessment

Weatherize Your Home: Assessment

Part 1 of Weatherize Your Home. Warmed or air-conditioned air mixes with outside air through gaps in your home’s thermal envelope—exterior walls, windows, doors, the roof, and floors. Such

Read the rest this article free


Window Options for Passive Solar Power

Most of us are aware that windows provide us with natural light, ventilation, and a view. But windows still remain the least understood building design component, even though many

Read the rest this article free


Passive Solar Design, Options, and Cost

A passive solar home is an exceptional home, differing from standard construction in the thermal integrity of its shell and its well-considered design. The design options, employing the principles

Read the rest this article free


Five Elements of Passive Solar Design

Five Elements of Passive Solar Design

Here are the five elements that constitute a complete passive solar design, using a direct gain design as an example. Each performs a separate function, but all five must

Read the rest this article free


Basic Passive Solar Design Techniques

Basic Passive Solar Design Techniques

Passive solar homes range from those heated almost entirely by the sun to those with south facing windows that provide some fraction of the heating load. The difference between

Read the rest this article free


Geothermal Heat  Pumps Make Sense for Homeowners

Geothermal Heat Pumps Make Sense for Homeowners

Geothermal heat pumps are one of the most efficient ways to heat and cool a home and provide hot water. More and more homeowners are discovering the benefits of

Read the rest this article free


Solar Energy in a New Home, or When Extensively Renovating an Old One

An architect can examine the energy performance of your house in terms of how each of the components—the insulation, windows, heating and cooling system, ventilation, and lighting— all work

Read the rest this article free


Use More Solar Energy in Your Existing Home

In an existing home, any renovation or window replacement project is an opportunity to improve your home’s energy performance. Most existing homes have poorly insulated, leaky windows that would

Read the rest this article free


Clean Choices for Heating, Cooling, and Lighting: RENEWABLE ENERGY AT HOME

Clean Choices for Heating, Cooling, and Lighting: RENEWABLE ENERGY AT HOME

Part 12 of Buying and Using Renewable Energy at Home. Heating and cooling uses more energy and drains more energy dollars than any other system in your home. Typically,

Read the rest this article free


Safety and Health Concerns (Loose-fill insulation)

Part 7 of Loose-Fill Insulation. Safety Guidelines Insulation blown into your ceiling cavities should cover the top plate of the wall, but be sure the eave vents are not

Read the rest this article free


Installation Quality Control (Loose-fill insulations)

Installation Quality Control (Loose-fill insulations)

Part 6 of Loose-Fill Insulation. Voids and Gaps To ensure a quality installation, there are several things to watch out for when installing loose-fill insulation—whether you do the job

Read the rest this article free


Cost of Loose-Fill Insulations

Part 5 of Loose-Fill Insulation. At the time this publication was written, the average loose-fill insulation cost per R-value per square foot was about 0.8 cents for cellulose and

Read the rest this article free


Before You Install Insulation

Before You Install Insulation

Part 4 of Loose-Fill Insulation. Upgrading or Repairing Other Building Components There are other home weatherizing and sealing measures to complete before you undertake any insulation project. Atight, well-sealed

Read the rest this article free


Comparative Performance of Loose-Fill Insulations

Comparative Performance of Loose-Fill Insulations

Part 3 of Loose-Fill Insulation. Insulation materials are compared on the basis of their R-values per unit of thickness, density per unit of volume, and weight per unit of

Read the rest this article free


Primary Applications of Loose-Fill Insulations

Part 2 of Loose-Fill Insulation. Loose-fill insulations are well suited for places where it is difficult to install other types of insulation, such as irregularly shaped areas, around obstructions

Read the rest this article free


Loose-Fill Insulations

Part 1 of Loose-Fill Insulation. Whether you are increasing the insulation levels in your current home or selecting insulation for a new home, choosing the right insulation material can

Read the rest this article free


Sunspace Components

Part 4 of Sunspaces. Glazing Glazing is clear or translucent materials that allow sunlight to penetrate and warm the room. Glass is the most common glazing material, and many

Read the rest this article free


Sunspace Design Guidelines

Sunspace Design Guidelines

Part 3 of Sunspaces. Passive solar systems structures are conceptually simple. However sunspace designers and builders must pay close attention to details to ensure maximum performance and reliability of

Read the rest this article free


Sunspaces: Design Considerations for various functions

Sunspaces: Design Considerations for various functions

Part 2 of Sunspaces. Sunspaces serve three main functions: they are a source of auxiliary heat, they provide space to grow plants and have fun living areas. The design

Read the rest this article free


Sunspace Basics: Introduction

Part 1 of Sunspaces. Everyone living in a home with a sunroom or sunspace will tell you that it is the most comfortable room in the house. Many times

Read the rest this article free


10 Tips for Planting New Trees and Shade Vegetation

Part 7 of Landscaping for Energy Efficiency. Many suburban and urban land need loosening before you plant. If the soil is compressed until it an area of at least

Read the rest this article free


Select and plant trees and shrubs

Part 6 of Landscaping for Energy Efficiency. Trees and shrubs come in all shapes and sizes. How you select your trees and shrubs and how to plant them will

Read the rest this article free


Plan Your Landscape

Plan Your Landscape

Part 5 of Landscaping for Energy Efficiency. Before you start landscaping, you must first develop a plan. The components of your plan could include deciduous trees and plants, coniferous

Read the rest this article free


Siting and Design: Landscaping for Energy Efficiency

Siting and Design: Landscaping for Energy Efficiency

Part 4 of Landscaping for Energy Efficiency. A well-informed and well-designed home admits low-angle winter sun, rejects overhead summer sun, and minimizes the cooling effect of winter winds. If

Read the rest this article free


Climate Considerations: Landscaping for Energy Efficiency

Climate Considerations: Landscaping for Energy Efficiency

Part 3 of Landscaping for Energy Efficiency. The United States can be divided into four approximate climatic regions: temperate, hot-arid, hot-wet and cool. The average energy to keep the

Read the rest this article free


Landscaping for a Cleaner Environment

Part 2 of Landscaping for Energy Efficiency. Widespread tree planting and climate-appropriate landscaping offer substantial environmental benefits. Trees and vegetation control erosion, protect water supplies, provide food, create habitat

Read the rest this article free


Landscaping for Energy Efficiency

Part 1 of Landscaping for Energy Efficiency. Are you looking for cost-effective yet eye-pleasing ways to lower your energy bills? Planting trees, shrubs, vines, grasses, and hedges could be

Read the rest this article free


Knee Walls

Knee Walls

Part 2 of Ceilings and Attics. Knee walls are vertical walls with attic space directly behind them. They are often found in houses with finished attics and dormer windows,

Read the rest this article free


Energy-Efficient Cathedral Ceilings

Part 1 of Ceilings and Attics. Cathedral ceilings must provide space between the roof deck and ceiling for adequate insulation and ventilation. For most areas of the U.S., the

Read the rest this article free


Attic Insulation Techniques

Attic Insulation Techniques

Loose-fill or batt insulation is typically installed in an attic. Although installation costs may vary, blowing loose-fill attic insulation—fiberglass, rock wool, or cellulose—is usually less expensive than installing batts

Read the rest this article free


Increase Roof Height At The Eave

Increase Roof Height At The Eave

One problem area in many roof designs occurs at the eave, where there is often insufficient space for full insulation without blocking air flow from the soffit vents. Often

Read the rest this article free


Attic Ventilation

Attic Ventilation

Most building codes require roof vents to expel moisture that could cause insulation or other building materials to deteriorate during winter. In summer, ventilation may reduce roof temperatures, thus

Read the rest this article free


BENEFITS OF CEILING INSULATION

Insulating ceilings is one of the most cost-effective energy efficiency measures. In addition to reducing heat loss in the winter and heat gains in the summer, ceiling insulation improves

Read the rest this article free


Sealing and Insulating Air Ducts

Sealing and Insulating Air Ducts

Air from hot attics can leak into the home around registers of the duct system. Air in the ducts can leak out through holes and seams. An enormous waste

Read the rest this article free


Regular Air Conditioner Maintenance

An air conditioner’s filters, coils, and fins require regular maintenance for the unit to function effectively and efficiently throughout its years of service. Neglecting necessary maintenance ensures a steady

Read the rest this article free


Evaporative Coolers

Evaporative Coolers

An evaporative cooler (also called a “swamp cooler”) is a completely different type of air conditioner that works well in hot, dry climates. These units cool outdoor air by

Read the rest this article free


Maintaining Existing Air Conditioners

Older air conditioners may still be able to offer years of relatively efficient use. However, making your older air conditioner last requires you to perform proper operation and maintenance.

Read the rest this article free


Types of Air Conditioners

Types of Air Conditioners

The basic types of air conditioners are room air conditioners, central air conditioners split-system, central air conditioners and packaged. Room air conditioners are installed directly in the windows or walls,

Read the rest this article free


How Air Conditioners Work

How Air Conditioners Work

The fluid that collects heat at the evaporator and releases it at the condenser is called refrigerant. Apump, called the compressor, forces the refrigerant through the circuit of tubing

Read the rest this article free


Energy-Efficient Air Conditioning

Are you considering buying a new air conditioner? Or, are you dissatisfied with the operation of your current air condi- tioner? Are you unsure whether to fix or replace

Read the rest this article free


Installing an Insulation Blanket on an Electric Water Heater

Installing an Insulation Blanket on an Electric Water Heater

Part 5 of Energy-Efficient Water Heating. Note: Installation is more difficult on gas- and oil-fired heaters. Ask your local furnace installer for instructions. 1. Cut the tank top insulation

Read the rest this article free


Using Off-Peak Power to Heat Water

Part 4 of Energy-Efficient Water Heating. Most consumers use more hot water in the evenings and mornings than at other times of the day. For those who have an

Read the rest this article free


Increasing Water-Heating System Efficiency

Part 3 of Energy-Efficient Water Heating. Reducing hot-water usage is primarily a matter of common sense and exerting a little extra effort to not be wasteful. Once you have

Read the rest this article free


Reducing the Amount of Hot Water Used

Part 2 of Energy-Efficient Water Heating. Generally, four destination points in the home are recognized as end uses for hot water: faucets, showers, dishwashers, and washing machines. Now, you

Read the rest this article free


Energy-Efficient Water Heating

Part 1 of Energy-Efficient Water Heating. The next time you pay your utility bill, try one simple calculation. Divide the total amount by seven. The result is the amount

Read the rest this article free


Additional Options for Reducing Heat Loss and Gain through Windows

Part 4 of Energy-Efficient Windows. Movable insulation, such as insulating shades, shutters, and drapes, can be applied on the inside of windows to reduce heat loss in the winter

Read the rest this article free


Reducing Heat Loss and Condensation

Reducing Heat Loss and Condensation

Part 3 of Energy-Efficient Windows. Manufacturers usually represent the energy efficiency of windows in terms of their U-values (conductance of heat) or their R-values (resistance to heat flow). If a

Read the rest this article free


Controlling Air Leaks

Part 2 of Energy-Efficient Windows. When air leaks around windows, energy is wasted. Energy is also transferred through the centers, edges, and frames of windows. Eliminating or reducing these

Read the rest this article free


Energy-Efficient Windows

Energy-Efficient Windows

Part 1 of Energy-Efficient Windows. Windows bring light, warmth, and beauty into buildings and give a feeling of openness and space to living areas. They can also be major

Read the rest this article free


Tomorrow's Options for More Efficient Windows

Tomorrow’s Options for More Efficient Windows

Part 3 of Advances in Glazing Materials for Windows. “Superwindows” now coming on the market can attain high thermal resistance by combining multiple low-e coatings; low-conductance gas fills; barriers

Read the rest this article free


Options that Increase Window Efficiency

Part 2 of Advances in Glazing Materials for Windows. Manufacturers usually represent the energy efficiency of windows in terms of their U-values (conductance of heat) or their R-values (resistance

Read the rest this article free


Advances in Glazing Materials for Windows

Part 1 of Advances in Glazing Materials for Windows. Until recently, clear glass was the primary glazing material used in windows. Although glass is durable and allows a high

Read the rest this article free


Manage Your Home’s Ventilation

Part 7 of Cooling Your Home Naturally with Fans and Ventilation. Remember the following if you plan to cool your home with ventilation: Learn how air flows naturally through

Read the rest this article free


Mechanical Ventilation: Whole-House Fans

Part 5 of Cooling Your Home Naturally with Fans and Ventilation. A whole-house fan can substitute for an air conditioner most of the year in most climates. Whole-house fans

Read the rest this article free


Mechanical Ventilation: Window and Exhaust Fans

Part 4 of Cooling Your Home Naturally with Fans and Ventilation. Window fans are best used in windows facing the prevailing wind or away from it to provide cross-ventilation.

Read the rest this article free


Save Energy by Cooling Your Home Naturally

Part 7 of Cool Your Home Naturally. Using any or all of these strategies will help keep you cool. Even if you use air conditioning, many of these strategies,

Read the rest this article free


Reducing Heat-Generating Sources

Part 6 of Cool Your Home Naturally. Often-overlooked sources of interior heat gain are lights and household appliances, such as ovens, dishwashers, and dryers. Because most of the energy

Read the rest this article free


Removing Built-Up Heat

Part 5 of Cool Your Home Naturally. Nothing feels better on a hot day than a cool breeze. Encouraging cool air to enter your house forces warm air out,

Read the rest this article free


Planning Your Planting

Part 4 of Cool Your Home Naturally. Placement of vegetation is important when landscaping your home. The following are suggestions to help you gain the most from vegetation. Plant

Read the rest this article free


Blocking the Heat

Part 3 of Cool Your Home Naturally. Two excellent methods to block heat are insulation and shading. Insulation helps keep your home comfortable and saves money on mechanical cooling

Read the rest this article free


Reflecting the Heat Away

Part 2 of Cool Your Home Naturally. Dull, dark-colored home exteriors absorb 70% to 90% of the radiant energy from the sun that strikes the home’s surfaces. Some of

Read the rest this article free


Cooling Your Home Naturally

Part 1 of Cool Your Home Naturally. Keeping cool indoors when it is hot outdoors is a problem. The sun beating down on our homes causes indoor temperatures to

Read the rest this article free