Category Archives: Improve

Reduce your electricity bills by systematically purging your family room of wasteful energy practices.

The fun-a video game console, TV, DVR, DVD, and stereo system-that your family room provides comes with a price. By reducing standby power, using rechargeable batteries in remotes, and replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents, you could save up to $130 a year in energy costs.
And if you’re in the market for a new TV, you can save even more energy by being flexible on the type you buy. Continue reading →

Using tips and resources from the experts, work with local government to expand waste recycling programs in your community.
Most neighborhoods and communities have programs for recycling plastic and paper. But what about the whole range of other materials filling your local landfill? Increasing the amount and types of household waste that can be recycled can help preserve your community’s precious open space and natural resources, and save your town money now spent on landfilling trash.
Point your city or town toward a cost-effective, expanded waste recycling program, and you may be putting more green in your own pocket as you protect property values.
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Salvaged building materials allow you to improve your home inexpensively–but might require an extra investment of time and energy.
If you’re looking to improve your home on the cheap, consider using salvaged building materials. Besides being less expensive than new materials, secondhand features can add character, quality, and value to your home. But note that the savings in dollars may require a greater investment in time and effort.
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Here’s how to figure out whether you can fix a problem septic system or if it’s going to have to be replaced.

When sewage backs up into the house or terrible odors overcome the backyard, you know something is wrong with your septic system. Depending on what’s causing the problem, you’ll face some big decisions about whether to repair or replace the equipment. Continue reading →

With proper care and maintenance, you can keep your septic tank in good shape for decades–and avoid costly repairs.

You wouldn’t skip routine maintenance on an expensive car. Nor should you ignore the upkeep on your septic system. Replacing a failed septic system can cost as much as a new car, so you have a big incentive to keep your system in good shape.

Septic systems serve the same role as municipal treatment plants, just on a smaller scale. Instead of staff engineers and technicians to keep everything operating smoothly, there’s just you, the homeowner. As the superintendent of your septic system, you face a few key tasks. Continue reading →