home improvement
Powerhouse™ 3.0 Solar Shingles Deliver High-Efficiency Solar Power, Attractive Curb Appeal and Roofing Industry Benefits
NOVI, Mich. (Newswire.com) – As U.S. homeowners embrace solar power as an attainable, money-saving replacement to grid-supplied electric power, Revere Plastics Systems (RPS) is proud to announce the reintroduction of Powerhouse™ In-Roof Solar Shingle 3.0, which installs like a traditional asphalt roofing shingle yet delivers substantial electrical energy.
Powerhouse™ 3.0 Solar Shingles
The Powerhouse™ system, manufactured by Revere Plastics Systems and distributed by Plan A Solar, is a roofing shingle that also functions as a solar panel. A typical installation may consist exclusively of Powerhouse™ Solar Shingles or be a combination of asphalt shingles and solar shingles, blending into a visually appealing rooftop. Depending on the number of solar shingles in the installation, an array can generate enough electricity to power an entire household.
Because Powerhouse™ Solar Shingles are installed alongside asphalt shingles by the same installers, homeowners no longer need to contract with an aftermarket rack and mount solar company or pay extra for panel purchase and installation. An authorized Powerhouse™ installer, such as Plan A Solar, provides all-in-one installation as well as warranty support.
Once installation is complete, homeowners benefit from a visually stunning and affordable rooftop solar system. A typical 6kW solar installation allows homeowners to substantially reduce annual utility costs. In addition, current federal tax incentives allow residences to recoup up to 30% of the investment when a photovoltaic (PV) system such as Powerhouse™ is installed, saving approximately $7,500 per rebate, according to energy.gov as of Feb. 20, 2023.
“We’re very pleased to be able to bring the Powerhouse™ Solar Shingle product back to the marketplace after a short delay,” states Revere CEO Glen Fish. “As the need for renewable energy expands and the government supports installation with generous tax rebates, we want to fill that need with solar products that not only perform well, but are also visually appealing to homeowners. Both roofers and homeowners are sure to appreciate the financial benefits – both in installation and use – of these energy-producing shingles.”
Powerhouse™ Solar Shingles also protect a home as well as traditional asphalt materials. The solar shingles include warranties on power production, weatherization, parts, as well as 15 certifications for performance and safety, including a Class A Fire Rating, a 1.5-inch Hail Rating and a Wind Rating up to 200 mph.
By lowering dependence on fossil fuels, Powerhouse™ Solar Shingles contribute to a cleaner environment and boost curb appeal and marketability. Unlike many other home remodeling projects, such as kitchen and bath remodels, solar installations add more home value than the project’s cost – especially when combined with federal tax credits.
For both homeowners and installers, Powerhouse™ Solar Shingles represent an attractive and profitable opportunity to enter the solar energy marketplace and benefit from a product that is easy to install, energy-efficient and adds substantially to the value of a home.
For more information on distribution and installation: solarshinglesmn.com
For more information on manufacturing: www.rpsystems.com
About Revere Plastic Systems
Revere Plastics Systems, LLC, has over 50 years of experience in plastics and manufacturing. It offers manufacturing capabilities that include value-add plastic injection molding, welding, assembly and testing. In total sales, Revere Plastics Systems is among the nation’s top 50 plastic injection molders. The company employs more than 1,000 people in its manufacturing, technical and sales facilities. For more information about Revere, visit www.rpsystems.com.
Source: Revere Plastics Systems, LLC
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home improvement
What Professional Locksmiths Say Homeowners Get Wrong About Security
You have locks on your doors and windows, and you make sure they’re secure before you leave the house or head to bed each night. You may even have a security system with an alarm or cameras to protect your home. Some locksmiths say that may not be enough. Consider these small changes you can make to deter thieves from your home.
Last Updated on February 24, 2026 by Daily News Staff
What Professional Locksmiths Say Homeowners Get Wrong About Security
(Family Features) You have locks on your doors and windows, and you make sure they’re secure before you leave the house or head to bed each night. You may even have a security system with an alarm or cameras to protect your home. Some locksmiths say that may not be enough. Bryan McCabe, director of locksmith operations with KeyMe Locksmiths, the nation’s leading provider of local locksmith services and No. 1 provider of key duplication kiosks, said homeowners should be mindful of common security vulnerabilities, many of which go unnoticed until it’s too late. A thief who wants to gain access to your home may do so by any means possible, including breaking windows or kicking in doors. However, those methods are loud and may attract attention. Instead, thieves will look to find the easiest house to enter. Consider these small changes you can make to deter thieves from your home.Close the Garage
Leaving your garage door open may seem harmless, but it can signal easy access to thieves. An open garage suggests relaxed security habits and can make burglars assume doors or windows might also be unlocked. Keeping it closed is a simple step that instantly makes your home more secure.
Make Your Home Look Lived-In
Burglars often target homes that appear empty. Dark houses – especially after nightfall – can stand out as easy opportunities. Leaving a light or two on helps create the impression someone is home. If you want to level up, use light timers or smart bulbs to automatically turn lights on and off, even when you’re away.
Keep Your Home Visible from the Street
Thieves prefer to work unnoticed. Overgrown trees, tall bushes, or dense landscaping near entrances can provide cover for someone trying to break in. Trimming greenery and maintaining clear sightlines from the street makes your home less appealing and more exposed – exactly what burglars want to avoid.
Upgrade Entry Points to Improve Security
Some relatively minor updates can make a big impact toward protecting your home. Start by assessing all home entry points, including secondary points like sliding doors, garage entries and basement doors. In addition to checking door frames, homeowners should examine strike plates, hinge security and whether existing locks are outdated.
Add Eyes to Your Front Door with a Doorbell Camera
Doorbell cameras are an affordable way to boost your home’s security. Visible cameras can stop many would-be thieves as they don’t want to be seen or recorded. Beyond deterrence, doorbell cameras let you see who’s at your door, receive alerts and check on your home anytime, whether you’re home or away.
Install Smart Locks for Control and Peace of Mind
Smart locks are another smart investment in home safety. They allow you to track who enters your home and when by assigning unique access codes. You can even lock (or unlock) the door remotely from your phone. With the ability to monitor, control and limit access, smart locks offer convenience and security. A local locksmith can help you choose the right option and handle installation, making the upgrade simple and stress-free.
Connecting customers with professional locksmiths in their area, KeyMe Locksmiths provides comprehensive home security and lockout services – from key replacement to lock installation or repair – with more than 7,500 kiosks nationwide. These self-service machines utilize advanced technology for fast, accurate and “one-stop-shop” key copying, including home and office keys, car keys and fobs, mailboxes, padlocks and RFID access cards.
Find more advice to help protect your home and belongings, and a locksmith or kiosk near you, by visiting key.me.
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!
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Consumer Corner
Cold Weather Home Comfort Hacks
Stay warm and save money with these cold weather home comfort hacks. From smart thermostats to energy-efficient windows, discover 6 upgrades that boost comfort and cut heating costs this winter.
Last Updated on February 22, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Cold Weather Home Comfort Hacks
(Family Features) As temperatures drop and cozy season sets in, keeping your home comfortable doesn’t mean undergoing a full-scale renovation. In fact, with a few smart upgrades, you can create a warm, inviting space – while improving your home’s energy efficiency, too. Before the chill sets in, consider these cool-weather comfort hacks, inspired by the experts at Simonton Windows & Doors, who have delivered high-quality replacement windows and patio doors designed to enhance the appearance, security and comfort of homes around the country for more than 75 years. Install a Smart Thermostat One of the easiest ways to increase comfort while also reducing heating costs, installing a smart thermostat allows for automatic temperature adjustment, keeping your home warm while it’s occupied and conserving energy when you’re away. Over time, these intelligent devices learn your schedule and habits, and can be controlled remotely from a smartphone to let you turn on the heat prior to arriving back at home.
Replace Older Windows If your windows are drafty or difficult to open, it may be time to upgrade. Modern replacement windows can dramatically improve energy efficiency and insulation. High-quality options from Simonton, including DaylightMax and 6200 Sliding Windows and 5500 and 6500 Double Hung Windows, meet the highest standards of performance and reliability, having successfully earned the prestigious Good Housekeeping Seal following rigorous testing. Designed with security and weather resistance in mind, these windows are known for their durability, wide range of styles and advanced energy-saving features. “This is a testament to the unwavering commitment we have to bring the best products to building professionals and homeowners,” said Kate Land, vice president of product and innovation at Cornerstone Building Brands, parent company of Simonton. “For more than 75 years, the Simonton brand has given homeowners confidence that they are investing in windows that truly deliver the highest quality and performance. This recognition solidifies our place as an industry leader customers can rely on.” Add Insulating Window Treatments Window treatments can do more than just add a design element to your home’s interior. Options like layered drapes, thermal curtains or cellular shades can help reduce heat loss. Remember to open your curtains or blinds during the day to let in natural light and close them at night to trap warmth and keep your spaces comfortable. This can also help circulate the air in your home and reduce the chances of condensation on your windows when the temperature dips. Seal Gaps and Keep Weatherstripping Clean Even the smallest of gaps around windows or doors can allow cold air to seep in. Check weatherstripping for wear and tear, replace as needed and use expandable foam or caulk to seal large gaps. Keeping the areas around doors and windows clean can also help maintain a tight seal and prevent winter’s chill from invading your comfortable space. Upgrade Patio Doors Old or inefficient patio doors can let in drafts and drive up energy bills. Replacing them with energy-efficient models, such as Simonton Contemporary Sliding Patio Doors, can help maintain comfort and enhance your home’s appearance. Fully customizable with a wide range of colors, interior woodgrains and hardware finishes, the doors are designed with a narrow frame for more natural light without sacrificing energy efficiency. Plus, optional high-density SmartCore foam can further improve thermal efficiency, allowing you to enjoy winter’s beauty from the comfort of the indoors. Add Insulation Inspect your attic, basement, garage and crawl spaces for spots where insulation may be lacking. An easy and affordable way to retain heat and improve efficiency, adding pre-cut insulation into bays between ceiling joists or blowing in loose-fill insulation over the existing layer can help keep your home warmer all season long. By making a few smart upgrades and prepping your space for the cold weather ahead, you can maximize comfort and energy efficiency. To ensure your home stays comfortable this winter and beyond, visit simonton.com for more solutions. 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!
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(Feature Impact) Cold spots are a common challenge for homeowners, especially during the winter months. They not only reduce overall comfort but can also drive up energy costs. These problem areas often appear in rooms over garages, spaces farthest from the HVAC unit, finished basements, and home additions.
Caused by uneven airflow, poor insulation, or systems that struggle to adapt to varying room conditions throughout the day, cold spots can lead to uncomfortable living spaces, extra strain on your HVAC system, and higher heating bills due to overcompensation.
Fixing these problems can involve several approaches. One option is upgrading from a single, whole-home HVAC system controlled by one thermostat to a zoned solution that lets you fine-tune comfort in each room. Another is improving ductwork by replacing long runs, undersized ducts, or leaky connections that restrict airflow. You can also add smart controls that automatically adjust to changing conditions.
Consider these tips recommended by the experts at Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US (METUS) to improve your home’s comfort:
- Evaluate Your Current System
Have a qualified technician inspect your HVAC system, checking ductwork for leaks, blockages or damage that could be preventing air from reaching specific rooms. Also confirm filters, coils and existing thermostats are properly located and in good working order to ensure they’re correctly reading temperatures.
- Consider a Zoned HVAC System Upgrade
Zoning divides your home into separate areas, each with its own temperature control. Options like Zoned Comfort Solutions® from Mitsubishi Electric allow you to treat individual rooms or spaces differently, conditioning only the areas you use for consistent comfort and reduced energy waste.
In larger homes with central ducted systems, adding motorized zoning dampers to open and close inside the ductwork and multiple thermostats can help redirect air where it’s needed most. For additions, bonus rooms or spaces with unique needs, ductless mini‑splits provide independent control for precise comfort without requiring an overhaul of the entire existing system.
- Add a Smart Thermostat and Sensors
Pairing zoning with smart sensors and controls allows each zone to fine‑tune comfort automatically for maximum efficiency. These sensors and advanced controls serve as the system’s intelligence, responding in real time to conditions in each room and monitoring both temperature and occupancy to adjust when a room deviates from the desired temperature.
Easy to integrate with many popular smart home platforms, the system learns your household schedule and habits to automatically optimize comfort and efficiency based on when and where people actually spend time. Plus, access through connected apps via your phone allows you to monitor cold‑prone rooms and make adjustments, even when you are away.
- Schedule Seasonal Maintenance
At least semi-annually, if not at the change of each season, have filters, coils and sensors cleaned and calibrated by a professional. Staying up to date on maintenance can help ensure your system is delivering the right amount of air where and when you need it.
Modern, connected energy‑efficient systems are attractive to buyers and can help lower a home’s carbon footprint. Learn more about fixing cold spots with zoned solutions at mitsubishicomfort.com.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
SOURCE:
Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US
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!
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