New Vertical Wind Turbines Pair with Solar Panels for Seamless Power
Technology just keeps improving as more consumers are looking for alternatives to traditional sources of electricity. One company is stepping up its efficiency by integrating their vertical wind turbines with solar photovoltaic panels to level out natural peaks and valleys in wind and solar energy. We spoke with Joel Smith, a business development partner for…
Keeping it Cool: Wine Storage Options
For the wine lover, nothing beats having a good place to keep your select vintages in your home. There are some basics to remember before you invest in a more elaborate set-up. Keep it coolWine does not do well in the heat. That’s why wine storage was typically found in cellars or caves. You can…
Green Tip: Energy Conservation Codes Update
It’s been three years since Katahdin beefed up their 39-year-old insulation package to create the Energy Envelope System™—an insulation system that met the new energy conservation codes enacted by Congress. Since that time states have been creating and upgrading the requirements within their individual state energy efficiency codes to essentially meet those new requirements. Just…
Keep On the Grass! Lawn Games Forge Family Fun
Nurturing a healthy lawn can provide some great family benefits, especially for parents and grandparents hoping to reincarnate some of the active lawn games they enjoyed as children. We spoke with Paul Tukey, founder of SafeLawns.org and author of Tag, Toss & Run: 40 Classic Lawn Games. The first step to get your family out…
Green Tip: Haiku Fans
Ceiling fans have been a go-to option for homeowners who are looking for improved air quality and more efficient and comfortable heating and cooling. The standard ceiling fan hadn’t really changed much in a hundred years—noisy, dusty and over-designed. Recently an Australia/U.S. company, Big Ass Fans, decided to re-invent the residential ceiling fan. The result…
First-year Flower Gardens
It’s easy to get excited about your new log home space and try to create a colorful landscape right out of the box. However, if your gardening skills are limited or you’re not sure what will work in your new location, planter boxes, window boxes, hanging baskets and other portable options are a good way…
Botanical Architectural Glass -Strength and Beauty
Glass featuring botanicals have been available for quite a few years, but often have a short replacement life, because of fading or delamination. EnsoGlass is new type of botanical glass developed by Oregon-based Bella Fleur and it is worth taking a look at. We spoke with Miguel Villarreal from Bella Fleur about their new Solid-Core…
Bring Aromatherapy into Your Home
In creating an atmosphere within your home, it’s easy to concentrate on the visual. But your sense of smell can have a powerful effect on the physical and emotional impact of your log home’s interior. While air fresheners and plug-in can be used, their scents can sometimes be too strong or adversely affect people with…
Drainage, Radon and Your Foundation
The two top issues associated with basements and foundations are drainage—keeping your basement dry— and radon mitigation—venting harmful radon outside the home. Because they are both linked by sealing of the basement and foundation, it’s important to examine them together. Radon Mitigation—How It Works Radon gas is present in many soil types in the United States.…