Exterior

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concerned woman looking at laptop
Watch Out for These Solar Rebate Scams

Some rebates are real, just read the fine print.

Tesla solar shingles on house with Tesla car
Is the Tesla Solar Roof Worth It?

It's a big investment up front.

Tesla wall inverter and power battery on exterior wall
Should You Get a Tesla Solar Inverter?

It helps convert the power from solar panels.

wood sided building
Green Exterior Home Remodeling Ideas

Replace your home's siding with less waste and fewer toxins.

rainwater cistern outside of a building
7 Tips for Cleaning and Sanitizing Water Cistern Tanks

Make sure to clean and sanitize your cistern frequently to ensure a healthy water supply.

A metal rainwater cistern next to a building.
How to Harvest Water Using a Rainwater Cistern

Harvest rainwater in a big way using a cistern at your home.

a building with a large water cistern on a sunny day
How to Determine what Size Water Cistern Tank You Need

A cistern tank is a structure used to collect water.

concrete underground cistern
How to Build an Underground Cistern

It can direct water flow away from a building's foundation.

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Suitable Finishes for Sustainable Wood Birdhouses

Hang up wood birdhouses if your goal is to provide a comfortable environment for wildlife.

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Making Your Own Sun Jar Solar Lights

Solar lights can save you a lot of money. You can save even more money if you know how to build them.

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Estimating the Cost of a Rooftop Garden

A rooftop garden enhances the appearance of your roof.

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Keep Your Water Tank From Freezing

Here are some steps for preventing an outdoor water tank from freezing:

Rainwater collection.
How to Collect Rainwater

Water is one of the most precious resources on the planet.

Rain drops falling off a ledge.
6 Ways to Collect Rainwater

Save money by catching this natural resource before it goes down the drain!

Sustainable Exteriors: New Eco-friendly Materials for Your Home

Take advantage of new eco-friendly materials for sustainable exterior home updates and repairs.

house with solar panels
Solar Equipment: Own vs. Rent

If you're in the market for solar equipment, know whether buying or renting is right for you.

DIY Water Collection Ideas and Tips

With or without a drought, saving water is a good thing to do.

How to Build a Shallow Well

Get free water from your backyard by following these 3 steps!

A ducted wind turbine on a residential roof.
Wind Turbines for Home Use

Generate electricity out of thin air.

rain barrel next to barn with gutter
Connecting a Rain Barrel to a Downspout

Rainwater is free. Why not put it to good use in the garden?

solar power station generator
Solar Power Station Generators—What Can and Can't They Do?

Let the sun provide clean, quiet energy at camp or home.

Rain water pouring from a gutter
The 4 Best Ways to Collect and Recycle Rainwater

Catch rainwater to keep your outdoor areas green and gorgeous.

old fashioned water well with
How to Winterize a Water Well

Avoid springtime plumbing woes.

solar panels on a roof with red tiles
10 Solar Panels You Can Buy on Amazon

Start a new solar setup or expand your renewable rig.

An RV on the road.
6 Tips for Installing RV Solar Panels

RV solar panels are great way of reducing fuel costs.

Solar cells on a roof behind a sun flower
Harness Solar Power for Your Home and Garden

5 places you can take advantage of this growing technology.

rain running down metal roof
5 Rainwater Harvesting Systems to Consider

Don't waste the free water you get from weather.

green roof with stones and gutter
10 Essential Green Roofing Materials

You need the right supplies to grow things on your roof.

Compost with vegetable scraps
Benefits of a Compost Accelerator

Should you be using a compost accelerator?

man installing solar panels in the sun
What to Know About Legal Alternative Energy Installation

Regulations vary widely from place to place.

small solar house with judicial gavel
What CA Home Builders Need to Know About the New Solar Law

Most new residential buildings must have solar panels.

rammed earth wall with plant
10 Green Materials that are Way Better than Concrete

They're cheaper, and they're better for the planet.

solar panels on a terracotta roof
Ways to Make Money with Your Solar Panels

Recoup your green investment by doing these three things.

An eco house with plant in chimney.
How to Build a Green Home

Green building emphasizes connection with natural landscape.

finishing a concrete floor in a large room
How to Make and Apply Your Own Concrete Sealer

It's important to apply a concrete sealer.

A set of solar panels on a red tile roof with a sun shining over it.
Already Have Solar? Now you Need a Home Battery

If you're not using a home battery, you're losing energy.

a man watering a garden in the morning
Creative Ways to Save Water in Your Home & Yard

Save water with these simple home hacks!

A blue bird on the edge of a bird bath
How to Make a Simple Bird Bath

Entice your feathered friends to take a dip.

A ladybug crawls on a leaf.
How to Make Biological Pest Control Work for Your Home

The best way to stop bad insects is with other, better bugs.

Gutter directing rainwater into rain barrel
How to Install a Rain Barrel Pump

Rain barrels provide an economical and efficient means to water or irrigate your home’s landscape.

A xeriscaped yard with gravel, grass, and a palm tree.
A Beginner's Guide to Xeriscaping

From mulch to irrigation, here's what you need to know to get started on xeriscaping.

A backyard garden with a wheelbarrow and shovel.
7 Ways to Go Eco in the Backyard

From solar lights to rain barrels, it's easier than ever to turn your outdoor oasis into one that doesn't harm the earth.

A house with solar panels on the roof.
How to Design an Energy-Efficient House

These days, energy-efficiency is less an afterthought and more an integration into the building process.