The "best of" tech site, The Wirecutter, recently narrowed down a selection of window air conditioner units to two top choices, one for small rooms and the other for medium/large spaces. Both were chosen considering decibel levels during operation, controls/options, airflow, and energy use. But I believe The Wirecutter may have missed one additional model worthy for consideration, a window AC that has effectively cooled our apartment the last couple of years while offering the least intrusive design... More

I try to avoid using the air conditioner, but I do turn it on a few times each summer. I recently acquired a new unit from a friend, only to find that even with the sides pulled out, it was about 8" shorter than my window. When I went to my local hardware store, the sales associate had a great solution… More

There's only three things that can divide a great relationship: money, fame, and control of the A/C. We want to know: When the weather's hot and cheap utility bills are hard to come by, who wins the war over the thermostat in your home? More

What happens when two gaming geeks… specifically, two Minecraft geeks in love… decide to get married? Why, they theme their whole wedding in pixelated graphic style, from his 8-bit tie to their block-based wedding cake to pictured honeymoon Minecraft destinations, of course! Matt and Asia's wedding is as geeky and romantic as they get… More

In other countries, especially in Asia and Europe, window air conditioners come in a variety of sizes and designs. But here in the US, AC units all pretty much look the same, a category of appliance for mid-to-low income renters in population dense city dweller (aka me!). It's good to see a different approach to window units, with a sleeker front and smartphone/tablet control operation... More

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

Since I arrived in Mexico City a couple months ago, I have observed many new and old homes with strange contraptions on the roof. At first I thought they were skylights, but then I realized that they are in fact solar water heaters. This seemed like a great idea, especially for places that get a lot of sun. Not only are they economical, but they also help to save resources. After doing a little research, I learned that heating water is the second largest energy consumer in the average American home, so a more efficient system would mean great savings in energy costs.
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