http://www.buzzoclock.com/ buzz, news, world news, entertainment, celebrities, music, celebs, video games, business, economy, industry, technology, internet, health, science, sports, books, polls, lifestyle, leisure, cars, computers, education, environment, expos, food, drink, humour, jobs, movies, travel, tips, television, theatre, photo, radio, shopping http://www.buzzoclock.com/readarticle.php?article_id=300 How often do you think about your water heater? You use it every day, usually multiple times a day. When was the last time you thought about how much energy it consumes or how well it’s doing its job? Choosing the right water heater for your home and regularly maintaining it can help reduce your energy bills. What’s more, you can actually get a tax break for choosing an energy-efficient water heater. http://www.buzzoclock.com/readarticle.php?article_id=299 Simple is better, as more homeowners are focusing on simpler exterior elements with an emphasis on durability and sustainability, according to the American Institute of Architects’ recent quarterly Home Design Trends Survey. http://www.buzzoclock.com/readarticle.php?article_id=298 Just as your home’s decor is a statement of your taste and personality, so is your backyard. As the trend for enjoying customized decks and outdoor living space grows, personalized outdoor living areas are the latest in home improvement upgrades. http://www.buzzoclock.com/readarticle.php?article_id=297 Spring -- for many it's synonymous with warmer days, greener landscapes ... and a more plentiful housing market. Just as daffodils start popping up in neighborhoods across the country, so too will ”for sale” signs adorn lawns across the country. http://www.buzzoclock.com/readarticle.php?article_id=296 Like many Americans, you’re probably thinking about ways you can reduce your living expenses. Heating and cooling costs account for more than 40 percent of the average home’s energy bill, so finding ways to become more energy efficient can save you real cash. http://www.buzzoclock.com/readarticle.php?article_id=295 If you are among the majority of homeowners whose hard work and smart financing decisions will allow you to stay in your home through the recession and real estate downturn, you may actually have the wherewithal to make some improvements to your home. Low interest rates and increased competition among remodeling contractors make this a great time to enhance your house’s value and your enjoyment of your home with some popular upgrades. http://www.buzzoclock.com/readarticle.php?article_id=294 People drive cars even though there are accidents every day. You simple take precautions and wear your seatbelt. The same goes for home pools. With proper safety measures in place, you and your family can enjoy endless hours of safe pool fun. http://www.buzzoclock.com/readarticle.php?article_id=293 Spring cleaning season meets a recession – what better time to take care of some often-overlooked household cleaning tasks that can save you big bucks in the long run? When was the last time you had your cooling coils cleaned ? If you’re not even sure what part of the system the coils are, where they’re located or if they’ve ever been cleaned at all, spring is a good time to take care of this important maintenance item. http://www.buzzoclock.com/readarticle.php?article_id=292 Spring is a popular time to begin home improvement projects, especially if they’ll upgrade outdoor living spaces. With the economy keeping more homeowners in place, rather than moving up to bigger, grander digs, improving your home can elevate both your enjoyment and its eventual resale value. http://www.buzzoclock.com/readarticle.php?article_id=291 For homeowners, good news has been hard to come by in this bleak economy. So it may come as a happy surprise to many to learn that the two most compelling trends in home remodeling and maintenance -- pinching pennies and going “green” -- are quite compatible with each other.