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

It finally feels like winter in Minnesota which has made me think about all the energy upgrades that could be done to our home. Fortunately, there is a program in Minneapolis that helps homeowners streamline energy use in their homes. More

I have just returned from three weeks in Australia visiting my parents. I once lived there (in Melbourne) and have visited the country dozens of times. But this time, with Apartment Therapy in my blood, I began looking at the homes I visited and noticed some key differences between Australian and homes back here in the States. I am not talking about the style or size of the homes (though I could write for days on the stunning Australian design scene and culinary mastery!). Rather, I mean the little details embedded in daily home life--the cultural idiosyncrasies and homemaking customs that make Aussie homes different from ours here in the US. And...Australians have a lot to teach us, it seems:
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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

Washing and drying clothes uses a lot of energy and water in a typical house. Here are 10 ways you can reduce your consumption of water and energy while doing laundry. More

Our friends over at Practically Green have come up with five ways for you to reduce water consumption and save energy at the same time. Read on to see how you can reduce your water and energy footprints in the laundry room, kitchen, and bathroom. More

Name: ICON Solar House built by the College of Design, the College of Science and Engineering, and the College of Continuing Education at the University of Minnesota for the 2009 Solar Decathlon competition.
Location: Built in St. Paul, moved to Washington D.C. for competition, now currently on the East Bank campus of the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis
Years lived in: none, yet

The U.S. Department of Energy hosts a Solar Decathlon every other year that challenges cross disciplinary teams of students to design, build, transport and re-assemble solar powered houses. The University of Minnesota entered the ICON Solar House against nineteen other international schools in the 2009 competition. The house is currently assembled in Minneapolis while it awaits its next use. At a lean 450 square feet, the home is often described as the, "perfect little cabin." This home is customized to be net zero energy on an annual basis in a northern climate. I met with Dan Handeen, Assistant Project Manager for the ICON Solar House, for a tour.

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The average household spends over $2,000 on home energy costs each year. By spending a little extra and buying energy efficient products, you can reduce your home's energy costs significantly. But if it costs money to save money, is it really worth it? With up to $1,500 annually in federal tax credits and energy programs brought to you by your local utility companies, there are many ways to make up the extra cost difference. You've just got to know where to look, and we start you off on your quest to save money. More

If I had to venture a guess, I would have said that it was better to space heat one room than turn up the heat in the entire home. That is, before I calculated the cost of various heating fuels. Find out how you can decide to space heat or whole house heat this winter. More

A reader recently asked The New York Times which green updates have the biggest impact on resale value. Curious as to what they discovered? Check it out below: More