We have talked here before about both the fact that some Energy Star labeled products have been called into question as to whether or not they meet the standards they profess, as well as the fact that the EPA is taking over day-to-day administration of the program from the DOE. ... (read more)

Depending on where you live in McCoy's trade area, some of you may use your fireplace more than others. With cooler temperatures on the way, many of you may be looking forward to the warmth and atmosphere that a real wood burning fire can offer. And if you use your fireplace often, when's the last time you've had it serviced by a professional chimney sweep. ... (read more)

It finally seems like we're coming out of the grip of what was, for us down in Texas, a brutally hot summer. Lot's of rain and cooler temperatures are helping us forget weeks and weeks of triple digit heat. So it may be hard to get in the winter frame of mind, but as cooler weather is here and the potential of some cold weather just around the corner, now is the time to get out there and get your home ready for winter. ... (read more)

We have talked here before about what does and doesn't constitute an energy-efficient "green" product. There are lots of claims out there as manufacturers all try to cash in on the current popularity of the green movement. So to say the least, it's disappointing to hear that some products with the Energy Star label don't perhaps deliver the energy savings they claim to. ... (read more)

With colder weather on the way, it's time to start thinking about winterizing our homes to help reduce those winter energy bills. And we know all the usual suspects: caulking, weatherstripping, water heater overcoat, etc. And the biggie, attic insulation. ... (read more)

Just in case you had any doubts, I don't think this whole Energy Star thing is going anywhere anytime soon. As a matter of fact, the The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking over the oversight and administration of the Energy Star program from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). ... (read more)

I am sure we have all been to the store lately and are seeing these Energy Star labels showing up on more and more products. As a consumer, I am not really sure exactly what they mean, but I am assuming it's something good. Energy Star ... I am helping the environment ... right? ... (read more)

You know the old saying, "if you don't know where you're going then any road will get you there?" It's really true when you think about trying to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. You have to have a strategy and tackle the projects one by one to start to see some results. If not, random improvements here and there may not bring the results you're expecting. ... (read more)

Remember the old song "Let the Sunshine In." Well, that's exactly what you don't want to do in this brutal heat we've been experiencing this summer. You want to be doing everything you possibly can to keep the core temperature of your house down. And your attic is one of the worst culprits in contributing to your high energy bills. ... (read more)

So you're thinking of building a new home and you want to do the right thing and incorporate as many energy efficient and sustainable features as you can. You know it's the right thing to do. But at the same time, you want your totally cool, totally rigged out man cave with all the latest home theater gear. What to do? ... (read more)