Record high temperatures are scorching the Southwest, and new heat records are being set across the country every year. Keeping your HVAC system well maintained should be a priority—especially during the milder shoulder seasons of spring and fall, which give you time for repairs without facing extreme weather. While electric fans can help in small … Read more

Composite decking continues to improve year after year, delivering enhanced performance, durability, and aesthetics. At this year’s International Builders’ Show, MoistureShield unveiled two new composite decking colors featuring their CoolDeck technology, designed to significantly reduce surface heat for a more comfortable outdoor living space. CoolDeck reduces heat absorption by up to 35% compared with traditional … Read more

Remote work has become a lasting part of many people’s lives since the pandemic, and creating an effective home office is now more important than ever. I’ve worked remotely for 15 years and learned that a well-designed home office is essential to sustained productivity. Building a space that supports focus and creativity can be challenging, … Read more

If you have a green thumb and can’t wait for cool fall days to get back into the garden, you’re in good company. Fall gardening is not only possible—it’s often recommended by horticulture experts because many cool-season vegetables develop better flavor and texture when they mature in cooler weather. According to research from North Carolina … Read more

We recently received this reader question and hope some of our readers can help. Any direction you can send me to make heads or tails of quotes for new natural gas boiler installation? Munchkin or Buderus? 95% efficiency vs. less efficiency? Hot water tanks that feed off the heat of the boiler? Estimates within a … Read more

The legendary Ford Bronco has returned. After 25 years since the nameplate was retired and nearly half a century since the final early Bronco rolled off the line in 1977, Ford revived the Bronco for 2021 with a design that honors its roots while offering modern capability and refinement. This new Bronco aims to deliver … Read more

As temperatures climb, now is the ideal time to consider your yard’s irrigation needs. If you don’t already have a sprinkler system, installing one can be especially helpful if you plan to travel. An automatic watering system helps preserve the health of plants and landscaping while you’re away, ensuring beds and lawns receive consistent moisture … Read more

Living in the country is a pleasure—until it’s time to clean up after a painting project. Cleaning paintbrushes, rollers, or your hands in the sink can seriously disrupt the delicate balance of biological activity in your septic tank, so it’s something you should avoid. Why You Shouldn’t Wash Paint Down the Drain Both latex- and … Read more

A few months ago I visited the NexGen grass seed laboratory and the Pennington Seed factory in Oregon, where I learned practical lawn-care tips and got a hands-on demonstration of their 1 Step Complete mulch‑seed‑fertilizer blend. I was eager to try it on my own yard. The results are in: our lawn looks better than … Read more

This month we’ve enjoyed sharing a range of painting tips from YOLO Colorhouse, a manufacturer of premium zero-VOC paint. Using low- or zero-VOC paint brings clear benefits for indoor air quality and occupant health, and YOLO has provided practical advice on selecting color palettes and preparing rooms for paint to help you get the best … Read more