I'm not sure how the weather is in your neck of the woods, but here in Texas we are already in full-on summer mode — the time of year when we really start to embrace the technology of air conditioning. A recent blowout to my A/C compressor has made me realize that I've been taking this wonderful invention for granted. More

Melyssa and Ted's vividly decorated home studio, from Melyssa's Vibrant Family Home - House Call.

I've been considering buying a washer and dryer to use while we rent. Our apartment has a working washer and dryer that are very old, inefficient, and not entirely effective at getting clothes clean. Is it worth it to replace them? After the jump: a few pros and cons. More

Apple is king. Everyone seems to be bowing at the feet of the company's minimalism aesthetic, straight-forward interfaces, and "just works" mentality. Who can blame them? It looks like the design language of the future (albiet a future designed in the 60s). Some designers come by it honestly, being former Apple employees themselves. Here are some of their products, which show the apple doesn't fall too far. More

There's nothing like the crackle, warmth and glow from a real wood-burning fireplace. But for apartment dwellers without an existing fireplace, alternatives to the traditional chimney and flue are necessary. Ventless designs powered by eco-friendly biofuel are now available in modern materials and as ceiling-mount, wall-mount and floor standing units. Here are a few sleek designs that won't leave you feeling left out in the cold.

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We finally figured out why the main floor of our house was a freezer while the top floor was hot as an oven and the basement felt like a sauna. It turns out two of the four vents were either closed or blocked off by stuff carelessly plopped over the vent by our tenants. We cleared it up and the main floor got warmer within a day. But try as we might to balance the temperature throughout the house, there are still some problem cold spots... More

Winter is definitely here, as those in the Pacific Northwest can attest. We certainly know it the second we get out of the shower. We're putting a new space heater in our bathroom, workshop and office. Here are some of the slickest we've seen. More

Once you've found the right space heater, it's not all warm days and cozy nights. According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fires during winter months. To keep your home and family safe be sure to follow these simple space heater safety tips: More

It's winter — that means you're probably piling on your blankets and turning up the thermostat. But if you're looking to reduce energy bills and heat specific areas of your home, consider a space heater. ConsumerSearch recently complied a great space heater report — here are their tips on how to select a space heater, and their top 4 picks: More

The Italian design firm MCZ was recently awarded anIF Product Design Award for quality and innovation for its Toba Eco Stove. This design conscious ceramic pellet stove is made of 90% recyclable material and maintains a minimalist appeal thanks to its lack of front air jets and unique design. The Toba is equipped with a remote control for its thermostat, allowing you to set on and off times, so you can always come home to a warm house. More