To Open or Not to Open? That is the Question.   When Arctic air descends upon the Midwest—or, even worse, a polar vortex—it’s all you can do to stay warm — both indoors and outdoors. Your furnace works overtime, and you’re looking for ways to boost energy efficiency without compromising your home’s interior. One solution...Read More

A couple of years ago my neighbor across the street had to take down the huge maple tree in their front yard. Why am I telling you this? I no longer have the canopy of my neighbor’s tree to filter the sun, and shade my home from the afternoon sun. Before the tree went down my...Read More

Here in Minnesota, there is a common phrase you’ll hear particularly in the summertime, “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity.”  In my opinion, sometimes it is just the heat. And while I welcome these few months when I don’t have to bundle up in 15 layers of clothing, there are days when it’s just...Read More