Home Improvement

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(NAPSI)—When budgets are tight and homeowners feel squeezed by higher electric bills, there may be a simple solution: Put the house on an energy “diet.” Here are some helpful tips:

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(NAPSI)—Recent research by United Minds reveals some fascinating facts about Americans’ relationship with green spaces.

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(NAPSI)—Five percent may not sound like a lot of anything, but when it comes to building new homes, it can make a big contribution toward putting Americans to work.

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(NAPSI)—Every year on Earth Day, millions reflect on what can be done to be more environmentally conscious. But why limit it to just one day a year? Make every day Earth Day by changing out the old, energy-inefficient light bulbs in your home with LED bulbs and put money back in your pocket.

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(NewsUSA) - Spring is here, and many people have the allergies to prove it. Regardless of spring's slow pace or your motivation levels, however, it's time to start heralding warmer temperatures by beautifying the backyard. So, don the appropriate layers, grab some tools and turn your backyard into something ideal for entertaining.

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(NAPSI)--Performing regular engine maintenance is critical to keeping the small engine in a lawn mower running at peak performance. A mower engine tune-up takes about 30 minutes and costs under $12 for the average push mower, according to the engine experts at Briggs & Stratton Corporation, the largest manufacturer of gasoline-powered engines for outdoor power equipment.

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(NAPSI)—There’s good news for those who want to get a handle on cleaning their home but don’t know where to start.

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(NAPSI)—The United States has some of the world’s best, most drinkable water. But no matter where a home’s water originates, from a large municipal supply to a private well, a whole-house water filtration system can make it better.

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(BPT) - The best bathrooms are more than just functional areas – they’re sanctuaries where you can escape, reset and recharge. And as one of the smallest and most-used rooms in the home, that’s likely why they’ve become the most popular remodeling project (78 percent), according to the National Association of Home Builders.

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(NAPSI)—There’s good news for parents who want to protect the environment while providing their children with a safer place to play outdoors.

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(NAPSI)—Great outdoor living is more than just a trend these days; modern cocooning demands an open-air living space. The deck, the patio, the outdoor kitchen—this is where people are turning for rest and relaxation when time or money limits vacation as an option. So the deck should offer the same elements that a pleasant in-the-house room delivers: comfort, space and aesthetic touches that make it welcoming.

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(NAPSI)—Picture this: To make sure your precious old photos, videotapes and family films can be shared with future generations, be sure to preserve such keepsakes on an easily accessible DVD. Here’s why:

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(NAPSI)—From smaller fixes around the house to grand-scale projects, everyone has a little “do it yourself” inspiration in them.

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(NAPSI)—There’s good news for those who are looking for a way to add a personal touch to their next party, whether it’s a birthday, graduation or a neighborhood gathering.

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(NAPSI)—When it comes to home decorating, what’s hot now are cool neutral tones, and here’s why: Neutral colors let you establish a palette for the bigger items-floors, doors, furniture and molding-that will stand the test of time. Neutrals also let you transform a room by adding vibrant pops of color through artwork, brightly painted walls, area rugs, and accessories.

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(NAPSI)—For enhanced curb appeal of your home, nothing beats a front door with beautiful doorglass.

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(NewsUSA) - When it comes to delicate fabric and dry-clean-only clothing, washing your favorite items can be quite a hassle. Picking things up from the dry cleaner isn't always a quick stop, especially if any unexplained marks or stains appear on your clothes.

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(StatePoint) Whether you’re making a fast trip to the store or leaving on a two-week vacation, are you confident that locking your doors is enough to keep your home safe and secure?

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(BPT) - Home is where the heart is. But it’s also a place where families can be more conscious of their energy use. While conserving energy helps save the planet, it also helps homeowners save money.

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(NewsUSA) - Remember the 1999 Disney Channel original movie "Smart House," where current "Sons of Anarchy" queen Katey Sagal plays the computerized personality of a highly technical smart home? Sure, Sagal's cyborg-esque character, Pat, goes overboard and winds up trying to parent the motherless household -- but winning a technologically advanced house that eases chores and offers topnotch security was nothing short of out-of-this-world awesome.

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(NAPSI)—If your heating and cooling bills seem to be going through the roof, give a warm welcome to these hints to help you keep more of your cold cash.

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(NAPSI)—The high-traffic areas of your home don’t have to be decorated in mayhem. A few hints can help you have a welcoming home and cozy home decor.

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Any home or building that is built at ground level or contains floors below ground level is a good candidate for basement waterproofing, although there are superficial, cosmetic solutions for waterproofing a basement that really won’t solve the true problem.

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(NAPSI)—Here’s a bright idea: You can easily enhance your home with a few simple, colorful, practical and decorative elements—without having to spend a lot of the green stuff. These hints on how from home expert Ginny Bean may help: