Has your home or yard been overrun by crazy ants? No, we don't mean Aunt Mildred but one of the 12,597 known species of ants that may be paying you a visit this summer. Like some relatives, they can be erratic, arrive in groups and tend to overstay their welcome.
A new state regulation that bars power shutoffs due to overdue bills when extreme heat is expected came just in time for this summer’s stretch of triple-digit temperatures, say advocates for the seniors and the poor.
As expected, the California Energy Commission voted to kickstart its stalled cash for appliance program by adding four more product categories. The state still has two-thirds of the original $32 million remaining. Rebates for energy-efficient dishwashers ($100), freezers ($50), water heaters ($100 to $750, depending on type) and heating, ventilating and air conditioning units ($200 to $1,000) will be given on products that meet the CEC's qualifying criteria. Eligible models in each category are listed on the state's website.
If you had 10 minutes with Inez Tenenbaum, what would you want to ask?
If youre into energy efficiency and smart building design, you might want to check out the premier of This New House, tonight at 8 p.m. on the DIY Network. Co-hosted by This Old Houses Kevin OConnor and DIY Network alum Amy Matthews, the series looks at the latest energy-saving building materials, techniques, and gadgetry.
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The Federal Trade Commission announced that companies promising over the phone to reduce your credit card or other debt can’t charge you a fee until they do their job.
Lands’ End is hosting a school uniform try-on day at its stores Aug. 7 that will include discounts on the gear.
If you’ve got a high schooler at home who’s college-bound, FAFSA4Caster can help you gauge how much federal financial aid s/he might receive.
President Obama marked the twentieth anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act yesterday with a special ceremony on the White House South Lawn. Not dependencebut independence. Thats what the ADA was all about, the president said, before signing an executive order that, effective 2012, will require new construction to meet enhanced design standards for doors, windows, elevators, and bathrooms.
The order is another big step forward for one of the ADAs biggest offshoots: Universal Design. Also known as Aging in Place, Universal Design is about creating products and spaces that people of all ages and abilities can use. In the last two decades, weve seen the movements impact on many product categories. Here are five highlights:
Taller toilets. So-called comfort-height toilets, which are 17 to 19 inches off the ground instead of the traditional 15 inches, put less stress on knees and backs. Most of the toilets we test are now comfort height, including several top-rated models.
Handheld shower sprays. Removable sprays can be used from a seated or standing position. Read our latest review of showerheads to see which handheld models combine that ease of use with the strongest flow and steadiest temperatures.
Better task lighting. Adequate illumination is critical for aging eyes. That means adding more fixtures in your home, both for general illumination and targeted task lighting. Increasingly efficient bulbs let you brighten a room without jacking up your electric bill.
Slip-resistant floors. These surfaces keep shoe heels and crutches from slipping. Many vinyl and linoleum products are available in slip-resistant finishes. These materials have been around for more than twenty years, but our latest flooring tests found an expanding array of styles, including some that mimic the look of wood or stone.
Accessible counters. More kitchen designers understand the need for varied counter heights, say one at 36 inches, one at 34 inches, one at 26 inches. Clearance under one or more counters for seated individuals is also essential. Better selections of stock cabinets and countertop materials makes it easier to design a kitchen around these requirements.
For more information, read 10 Questions forMichael Thomas, Aging in Place Expert and our tips for creating a stylish Universal Design bathroom.
Daniel DiClerico
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