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Author Profiles

Karin Beuerlein

Karin Beuerlein has covered home improvement and green living topics for HGTV.com, FineLiving.com, and FrontDoor.com. She has also written for dozens of national and regional publications in more than a decade of freelancing.

BY THIS AUTHOR

6 Green Terms: Which Ones Can You Trust?

Does “natural” mean organic? Should you buy anything labeled “non-toxic”? Here are the truth and eco-facts about many of the green terms you find on product labels. Read More

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How to Be Energy Efficient at Home: It’s Not What You Do, But …

It’s not just which energy efficiency projects you implement at home that will make a dent in your bills — it’s how many. Read More

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Are You Looking for Energy Savings in All the Wrong Places?

Ack! Our energy costs are going up because too many of us are making the wrong judgment calls about how to save energy. Here’s why we’re having a disconnect. Read More

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Burned Out on CFLs? We Address the Real Issues and Solutions

If you’re having trouble with CFLs, you’re not alone by a long shot. We chatted with an expert about the issues, how you can use CFLs successfully, and your alternatives. Read More

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How to Buy Energy-Saving Appliances

Is energy performance key for your next appliance or home system? Use Energy Star, the Consortium on Energy Efficiency, and Energy Guide to untangle the options. Read More

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FSC-Certified Wood and SFI-Certified Wood: What’s the Difference?

Shopping for wood countertops, cabinets, or doors? FSC and SFI are the two green certifications you need to know. Read More

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The WaterSense Label: What to Look For

Use the WaterSense label as your guide to choosing toilets, shower heads, and faucets that conserve resources and save you money. Read More

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Energy Rebates From Your Utility Help You Manage Rising Energy Costs

Surprise: Your utility may offer big-time energy rebates to offset the cost of energy-efficient retrofits. Read More

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10 Ways to Prevent Costly Mold Damage to Your Home

Fixing mold damage is an expensive and time-consuming home repair. But you can save time and money by implementing these 10 ounces of prevention. Read More

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Why Your Green Home Improvements Aren’t Paying Off

Forget big savings on your energy bills if you make green home improvements. Instead, choose green retrofits and home improvements that offset rising energy prices. Read More

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Get Rid of Mold: DIY or Hire a Pro?

Here’s how to tell if you can get rid of mold yourself or if you need a professional. Read More

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Mold Remediation: What to Expect When You Hire An Expert

Mold remediation can be a pricey venture. Here’s what to look for and expect when you call in the professionals. Read More

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Adding Universal Design Features to Your Bathroom

Incorporating universal design into your new bathroom guarantees access for everyone and saves money in the long run. Read More

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Evaluate Your House for a Bathroom Addition

Decide whether a bathroom addition is right for you by evaluating the project cost vs. the potential increase in home value. Read More

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Choosing an Exterior Door

You should understand the pros and cons of steel, fiberglass, and wood exterior doors before choosing the one that’s right for you. Read More

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Your Guide to VOCs

Deadly VOCs (volatile organic compounds) lurk everywhere in your home, from air fresheners to shower curtains. Here’s how to spot and reduce exposure to VOCs. Read More

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How to Eliminate Mold from Your Home

To eliminate mold, seek a credentialed professional who understands the inspection, sampling, and clean-up process. Read More

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6 Tips for Reducing Your VOC Exposure

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in your home can cause chronic health problems, but they’re tough to completely eliminate. Here’s what you can do to reduce your VOC exposure. Read More

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Spring & Summer Seasonal Maintenance Guide — Southwest

If you live in the Southwest, here are maintenance jobs you should complete in spring and summer to prevent costly repairs and keep your home in top condition. Read More

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Spring & Summer Seasonal Maintenance Guide — Midwest

If you live in the Midwest, here are maintenance jobs you should complete in spring and summer to prevent costly repairs and keep your home in top condition. Read More

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Spring & Summer Seasonal Maintenance Guide — Northeast

If you live in the Northeast, here are maintenance jobs you should complete in spring and summer to prevent costly repairs and keep your home in top condition. Read More

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Spring & Summer Seasonal Maintenance Guide — Northwest

If you live in the Northwest, here are maintenance jobs you should complete in spring and summer to prevent costly repairs and keep your home in top condition. Read More

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Spring & Summer Seasonal Maintenance Guide — South

If you live in the South, here are maintenance jobs you should complete in spring and summer to prevent costly repairs and keep your home in top condition. Read More

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Fall & Winter Seasonal Maintenance Guide — Midwest

If you live in the Midwest, here are maintenance jobs you should complete every fall and winter to prevent costly repairs and keep your home in peak condition. Read More

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Fall & Winter Seasonal Maintenance Guide — Northwest

If you live in the Northwest, here are maintenance jobs you should complete every fall and winter to prevent costly repairs and keep your home in top condition. Read More

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Fall & Winter Seasonal Maintenance Guide — Northeast

If you live in the Northeast, here are maintenance jobs you should complete every fall and winter to prevent costly repairs and keep your home in top condition. Read More

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Fall & Winter Seasonal Maintenance Guide — South

If you live in the South, complete these maintenance jobs every fall and winter to prevent costly repairs and keep your home in peak condition. Read More

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Fall & Winter Seasonal Maintenance Guide — Southwest

If you live in the Southwest, complete these maintenance jobs every fall and winter to prevent costly repairs. Read More

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Understanding Energy Ratings for Windows and Doors

Qualifying for the $200-$500 federal tax credit on new windows and doors depends on two measurements, U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient. Read More

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Replace Old Windows with Energy-Efficient Models

Adding new energy-efficient windows can pay off at resale, as well as boost your energy savings—$126-$465 annually—if you choose the right ones. Read More

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