Consumer Corner
Clean Energy Home Upgrades: Make dependable environmental improvements
When you’re considering upgrades for your home, earth-friendly enhancements that impact your energy usage are smart investments. Energy-saving home upgrades can offer long- and short-term advantages for the earth, your wallet and even your safety.
Last Updated on May 17, 2025 by Rod Washington
(Family Features) When you’re considering upgrades for your home, earth-friendly enhancements that impact your energy usage are smart investments. Energy-saving home upgrades can offer long- and short-term advantages for the earth, your wallet and even your safety.
Many homeowners evaluate their energy needs as they plan home improvements. There are several low-carbon, resilient energy options available that can help safeguard your family. Consider these environmentally friendly upgrades to diversify your home’s energy sources, reduce energy consumption and ensure your home is well-prepared to withstand interruptions to power service if the electrical grid fails.
Diversify Energy Sources
The growing conversation to “electrify everything” will require an overhaul on the aging electric grid just to manage the increase in demand. Accomplishing this will take decades and cost billions, according to the Department of Energy. In fact, according to a study conducted by Acupoll Precision Research on behalf of the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), 54% of respondents believe electricity for everything will be too expensive for taxpayers while 70% strongly agree Americans should have a choice when it comes to their energy source. Propane is a clean, affordable and abundant energy option that reduces carbon emissions right now. Using propane appliances like furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces and kitchen appliances alongside other energy sources reduces the strain on the fragile electrical grid. Unlike electric appliances, propane appliances can work even during power outages.
Seal In Energy
Outdated doors and windows often lack energy benefits. Newer models have stronger, thicker panes that reduce the transfer of heat from inside to outdoors (and vice versa in the warmer months). Updating doors and windows allows you to easily repair any cracks or faulty seals that make it easy for energy to escape. When your home is well-insulated, your heating or cooling system works more efficiently.
Consider Solar Panels
When many homeowners think of renewable energy, they often think “solar.” Some states are mandating solar adoption, and while financial rebates help, solar panels are still considered an expensive upgrade for many people. The number of panels you need depends on your geographic location and weather, as well as the size of your home and your family’s energy consumption habits, which can add up. If you have access to propane and electricity, and are planning to upgrade to solar, consider adding propane appliances to offset the energy load required from your solar system.
Install a Backup Power Source
The Department of Energy’s “Electric Disturbance Event Annual Report” showed an increase in power outages from 2000 to 2020. More than half of consumers nationwide indicated they or a close family member or friend have been personally impacted by a power outage in the past two years, according to PERC.
As a result, many homeowners are saying “yes” to backup power generators. A propane standby generator can be a key part of resilient home upgrades by offering supplemental electricity in as little as 10 seconds after an outage. Propane doesn’t degrade over time, making it an ideal standby power fuel. Plus, it’s cleaner than diesel so you can keep your home functioning and family safe while being a good steward for the environment.
Increase Energy Efficiency
While landscaping plays an important role in curb appeal, it also serves more practical purposes. Thoughtfully placed trees and shrubs can block the heat that comes from powerful direct sunlight while serving as a break against blustery winds and providing a natural form of external insulation for the home. In outdoor living spaces, propane-powered appliances can offer increased energy efficiency. For example, propane can power full outdoor kitchens, fireplaces and fire pits, patio heaters, flame lighting or pool and spa heaters.
Find more ideas and information to inspire your earth-friendly home upgrades at Propane.com.
When the Grid Fails
In 2021, a winter storm decimated a major electrical power grid, leaving thousands of Americans in the dark and cold. Some people lost their lives while others battled to overcome extensive damage to their homes and businesses.
Jennifer Borget’s family is one of many that weathered those winter storms. However, the Borget family home used propane to power their water heater, stove, furnace and fireplace.
“When your power goes out, you can still use some propane appliances,” said Borget, who blogged about her experience. “This is one of those things I didn’t realize but learned during the historic winter storms. When the power was intermittent, our propane-powered fireplace and water heater quickly warmed our family.”
One year later, the Borgets are discussing investing in a standby generator to mitigate future power outages.
Another way to reduce the risk of large-scale disasters is increasing Americans’ reliance on a broader mix of energy sources. Using a combination of propane, solar, electricity and natural gas can keep homes and businesses alike running efficiently and safely.
Relying on alternative energy sources like propane can also make a meaningful environmental impact in the long-term while offering short-term advantages, including continued access to power during emergencies when another energy source fails.
Consumer Corner
An Overlooked Detail That Can Make or Break Your Outdoor Space
From fully equipped outdoor kitchens to cozy lounge seating and thoughtfully designed landscaping, outdoor living upgrades have become some of the most sought-after renovations for today’s homeowners. There’s one detail, though, that’s surprisingly often overlooked: heat.
(Feature Impact) From fully equipped outdoor kitchens to cozy lounge seating and thoughtfully designed landscaping, outdoor living upgrades have become some of the most sought-after renovations for today’s homeowners. There’s one detail, though, that’s surprisingly often overlooked: heat.
Though backyards, patios and decks are increasingly expected to function as extensions of interior living spaces, rather than occasional warm-weather escapes, nearly 92% of respondents in a survey of more than 2,000 homeowners conducted by Atomik Research on behalf of Bromic Heating, a global leader in premium infrared outdoor heating appliances, said their outdoor areas have untapped potential, suggesting it could play a bigger role in daily life than it does today.
Homeowners are prioritizing furniture, lighting and fire features when planning for their outdoor spaces, with just 23% of homeowners ranking outdoor heating as a top priority. Despite this, 67% of survey respondents confirmed heating would have the biggest impact on extending outdoor usage – especially in the evenings when the sun sets and temperatures drop.
Many homeowners don’t think about outdoor heating until after their space is finished and they are left in the cold. To simplify the planning of outdoor living spaces and ensure invisible features like heating are considered as early as the visible elements, Bromic offers a complimentary design service alongside its best-in-class product portfolio that gives homeowners unmatched flexibility to create inspired spaces.
End-to-end support ensures an optimized layout, proper installation and alignment with your budget and design aesthetic. Whether classic or contemporary, built-in and freestanding heating options are designed to complement the existing architecture and provide performance that can extend memorable outdoor moments from season to season.
Explore these outdoor heating solutions and experience the complete portfolio at bromic.com.
Contemporary Design with Illuminating Elegance
The built-in and freestanding Eclipse Smart-Heat Collection seamlessly blends sculptural elegance with dual functionality, combining 2,900 watts of radiant heat and dimmable LED ambient light. Its standout features include a sleek circular design and ceramic-glass face to bring a modern, luxurious touch to any space.
Seamless Integration with Effortless Harmony
The Platinum Smart-Heat Collection, available in electric, marine and gas models, is crafted in premium stainless steel with a sleek ceramic-glass face – bringing refined design and unmatched performance to environments ranging from private patios and coastal residences to luxury vessels.
Distinctive Form with Powerful Impact
Available in electric, gas, built-in and freestanding models, the Tungsten Smart-Heat Collection pairs lasting performance with timeless style. Crafted from durable 304-grade stainless steel and finished with a signature honeycomb mesh face, the design blends enduring strength with contemporary elegance for any outdoor setting.
Intelligent Design for Meaningful Connections
Achieve precise control of your outdoor heating experience with Affinity Smart-Heat Controls, which offer 1% incremental adjustments and compatibility with most home or building automation systems. Easily program timers and zones to maintain the ideal temperature and atmosphere in any outdoor setting.
Experience customizable control including:
- Timer and schedule settings
- Heater grouping within zones and multiple sites
- Voice control integration
- Connection with home automation or building management systems
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A Healthier, Greener Home: Eco-Friendly Cleaning Hacks
(Feature Impact) Keeping your home clean doesn’t have to mean filling your cabinets with harsh chemicals or single-use cleaning products. In fact, some of the most effective solutions may already be in your pantry.
By swapping a few everyday products for simple, eco-friendly solutions, you can clean effectively, save money and make your home a little greener. If you’re looking to reduce waste, cut back on toxins and simplify your cleaning routine, natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda and lemon can deliver results while also being safer for your home – and the environment.
Make Your Own All-Purpose Cleaner
Instead of buying multiple cleaners for different surfaces, try a DIY solution that works in many areas of the home. In a spray bottle, combine 1 cup white vinegar, 1 cup water and 10 drops of the essential oil of your choice – such as lemon, lavender or tea tree – then use it on countertops, sinks, glass and other surfaces to curb grease and grime. Avoid using vinegar-based cleaners on natural stone like granite or marble, however, as its acidity can cause damage.
Let Baking Soda Do the Scrubbing
One of the most versatile eco-friendly cleaners around, baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive that helps lift stains without scratching surfaces. Simply sprinkle baking soda onto sinks, bathtubs, cookware, stovetops or tile grout then scrub with a damp sponge or cloth for a sparkling clean finish.
Freshen Carpets Naturally
Carpets and rugs can trap odors, but a DIY deodorizer made of 1 cup baking soda and 10-15 drops of the essential oil of your choice can replace chemical sprays and keep floor surfaces smelling fresh. Just sprinkle across the carpet, let sit for 15-20 minutes then vacuum.
Use Lemon to Cut Grease and Stains
Lemon juice is a powerful natural cleaner due to its acidity and antibacterial properties. It can leave behind a fresh scent when used to clean cutting boards, remove soap scum and water spots or deodorize garbage disposals. For stubborn grime, mix lemon juice with baking soda to create a paste that can tackle tough surface stains.
Naturally Deodorize Drains
If your kitchen sink smells unpleasant, skip the harsh chemical drain cleaners. Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain then add 1/2 cup white vinegar. Let the mixture fizz a few minutes then flush with hot water to help loosen buildup while neutralizing odors.
Polish Stainless Steel with Pantry Staples
Remove grimy fingerprints and give stainless steel appliances a streak-free shine with a simple mixture of 1 tablespoon white vinegar and 1 tablespoon olive oil.
Find more DIY, eco-friendly cleaning tips and tricks at eLivingtoday.com.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
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home improvement
Fresh Start, Fresh Planet: 5 Steps to Reduce Waste During Spring Cleaning
Spring cleaning is a perfect opportunity to reset, reorganize and make small changes that can help the planet. Consider these five easy waste-reduction tips to help you jump into the season feeling organized and eco-friendly.
(Feature Impact) As the days get longer and the weather improves, many people often find the motivation to refresh their homes – and their habits.
Spring cleaning is a perfect opportunity to reset, reorganize and make small changes that can help the planet. What’s more, these changes are simple to implement and can even earn you some extra cash.
Steps to Reduce Waste During Spring Cleaning
Consider these five easy waste-reduction tips from the experts at CalRecycle to help you jump into the season feeling organized and eco-friendly.
1. Recycle Kitchen Waste
As you clear out expired or forgotten food, sort items for maximum impact:
- Remove plastic and non-compostable packaging and put spoiled or freezer-burned food into your green bin. These scraps can be turned into compost and clean energy, helping cut methane emissions from landfills.
- Toss empty, dry recyclables, including condiment bottles, glass jars, metal cans and plastic food containers, into your blue bin.
2. Cash in Empty Beverage Containers
- Cleaning out your home may uncover some empty or forgotten beverage containers. Empty out leftover liquids and take eligible beverage containers for soda, water, juice, wine and distilled spirits to your nearest recycling site for cash back. Every California Redemption Value (CRV) beverage container you recycle saves resources and puts money back in your pocket.
- If you’re short on time, donate your empty CRV beverage containers to your favorite nonprofit organization. Set up a separate bin just for eligible beverage containers and drop them off for donation when it’s full.
3. Give Clothes and Household Items a Second Life
- Dig into your closets and shelves to see what you can repair, repurpose or donate. Fix a missing button, turn old fabric into cleaning rags or give gently used items to a local free-exchange group or thrift store to reduce textile waste. Simple steps like these can keep usable items out of the landfill and help someone else put them to good use.
4. Declutter Paper and Electronics
- Recycle junk mail, magazines and newspapers in your blue bin. Remove any plastic windows, wrap or stickers first. If you shred documents, place the shredded paper inside a paper bag before recycling. Bonus tip: Switching to digital statements and bills can help prevent paper clutter in the first place.
- Old electronics and used batteries don’t belong in the trash. Gather them from drawers and cabinets then take them to an e-waste drop-off site or local household hazardous waste collection center for safe handling.
5. Refresh the Bathroom
- When restocking soaps or cleaners, look for products that offer refillable containers (especially reusable glass and aluminum ones). It’s a simple way to cut down on plastic waste.
- When you finish bottles of shampoo, conditioner, soap or cleaning sprays, make sure they land in your recycling bin after you empty them out.
- Swap out single-use paper towels for washable cloths or rags. They’re reusable, durable and kinder to the environment.
For more details, CRV redemption locations and food scrap recycling tips, visit RecyclingReimaginedCA.com.
Photos courtesy of Shutterstock
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Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!
