Becoming a Home Maintenance Pro: Tips for Homeowners By Dixie Somers Many homeowners don't think about home maintenance until something breaks, but that's not the best way to take care of your home. Whether you’re a new homeowner or have been settled for years, it’s never too late to cultivate some home maintenance habits. Here are three tips to help you protect your investment and keep your property in good shape for years to come: Create and Follow a Home Maintenance Schedu

Four Easy Ways to Harness Solar Power at Home The price of solar technologies has dropped in recent years. Is now the time to hop on the bandwagon? Even if you're not fully convinced, there are small steps you can take today to reduce your environmental footprint and save money through solar. 1) Solar lighting. Eliminate the need for extension cords or pricey landscape lighting installations by opting for solar lights outdoors. In addition to smaller pathway lights, you can f

...Start Saving! Replace traditional light bulbs with compact fluorescents Opt for desk or reading lamps to avoid unnecessarily lighting an entire room Raise the thermostat on your air conditioner by 10 percent when you leave for the day. Use an ice tray. Automatic ice makers increase a refrigerator's energy consumption by 14-20 percent. Clean the coils on your refrigerator. If you need a recommendation for local professionals who can increase your home's energy efficiency, w