Green House of Cards: With U.S. green building Standards under scrutiny, it's up to homeowners to make their own decisions

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 11:24 - Tom Kraeutler

In its recent “Green, Inc.” news series, USA Today uncovered shortcomings in the U.S. Green Building Council’s popular LEED standards for sustainable design and building.

The exposé describes how a program that’s supposed to represent Leadership in Environmental Design also appears to be tied...

Replace Windows for Better Health

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 02:46 - Tom Kraeutler

You may know that replacing windows boosts a home’s energy efficiency, but new models can also be better for your health. If your home was built prior to 1978, your current windows are likely finished with lead-based paint and exposing your family to harm on a daily basis. Research has shown...

Decorate for Falloween

Sat, 10/13/2012 - 13:23 - Leslie Segrete

Autumn is the official start of the holiday decorating season—the beginning of that make-everything-festive moment. Now’s the time to add a little warmth to your home, and the best way to make the decorative impact last through November is to think “Falloween.” Create displays and deck the halls...

For Safety's Sake, Make a Fire Escape Plan

Sat, 10/06/2012 - 23:04 - Tom Kraeutler

Do you have an escape plan in case of fire in your home? According to a survey by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), only one third of American households have developed and practiced such a plan. What’s more, many of us overestimate the amount of time we’ll have before a fire...