Expert Advice on Home Improvement

Houseplants can filter toxins and pollutants in stale indoor air and replace carbon dioxide with oxygen. Even though almost any plant can do this, some plants are better than others, especially when it comes to having them in your home. Watch this video to find out more. Watch this video.

To make your clothes washing better for the environment, save water, and reduce energy consumption use only cold water to wash your clothes, choose eco-friendly detergent, and dry clothes on a clothes line rather than in the dryer. Watch this video to find out more. Watch this video.

Purists will tell you that you aren’t grilling unless you use charcoal, but the fact is that most of the charcoal you buy is actually a combination of sawdust, corn starch, and lighter fluid that releases 11 pounds of carbon dioxide into the air an hour. Compare that to a gas grill which produces half as much. Watch this video to find out more Watch this video.

Changing the way you mow your grass can save water by reducing the need for lawn irrigation. Using a mulching mower and blade and leaving the grass clippings on the lawn will provide natural, organic nitrogen and help retain moisture. Watch this video to find out more. Watch this video.

We’re taking a look at some innovative green ideas from the Los Angeles homes of actor and environmentalist Ed Begley, Jr. and science guru Bill Nye. From conserving water to solar landscape lighting to green lawn equipment, find out how you can make your home more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. Read in full.

Rain barrels are a great way to save and store water for use on your lawn or garden. While commercial models are available, you can also make your own rain barrel from a plastic garbage can. Watch our video on How to Make a Rain Barrel for Your Yard to find out how. Watch this video.

New energy efficient dishwashers use less energy and water than washing by hand. A recent study showed that the average hand-washer used over 27 gallons of water and 2.5 kilowatts hours of electricity to clean a full sink of dishes, while the dishwasher used just under 6 gallons of water and less than 2 kilowatt hours for the same amount of dishes. Watch this video.

Adding special dryer balls to your clothes dryer can cut down on the time it takes to dry your clothes. They work to separate the clothes, allowing them to dry quicker, and also claim to eliminate the need for fabric softener sheets. Watch this video to find out more. Watch this video.

Draftproofing your home reduces air infiltration which saves energy and lowers your heating and cooling bills. To draftproof your home you should apply caulk and expanding foam to gaps and cracks around the perimeter of your house and install foam gaskets around exterior plugs and switches. Watch this video to find out more. Watch this video.

Having an energy audit conducted for your home will tell you how much energy your home uses and how you can improve efficiency. You can perform a very general audit yourself, but if you want to really get down to the nitty-gritty, consider hiring a professional who will come in with specialized equipment like blowers doors and infrared cameras. Watch this video.