Park will be removed from electric grid and powered by solar and battery As Vermonters enjoy the last warm days of summer and the beautiful outdoors, one state park is about to take our green image to a whole new level by going green and off the grid. Green Mountain Power is partnering with the…

Submitted A bit of extra measure in home prep can keep your winter from being a nightmare with unexpected projects. (MS) — If boots, a warm hat and a tuned-up snow blower are the only items on your winter preparation list, your home maintenance plan may need a makeover. These simple home maintenance projects can…

Submitted Got old paint? With a little imagination, you can create a new home piece. If you’re sitting on a stash of leftover latex paint, you have a gold mine when it comes to home decorating. With a little imagination and creative flair, you can use paint leftovers to give your home extra appeal, and have…

Submitted There’s a whimsical appeal to framing children’s artwork and putting it on display in your home — not to mention a totally unique gallery! Some home renovation projects require the expertise of professionals, but there also are many ways for homeowners to improve their homes without hiring a pro or spending too much money. The…

Submitted Hard water can cause scaling, deposits inside of pipes, reduced cleaning ability, and several other problems. Home ownership opens people’s eyes to many new experiences, even requiring homeowners to familiarize themselves with certain things they never encountered as renters. Homeowners become novice plumbers, electricians, horticulturists, and even chemists as they wade through the projects…

Submitted Plants can improve indoor air quality by helping to remove harmful irritants from the air. Homes tend to be stuffier in autumn and winter. As temperatures outside dip, windows are closed and air quality inside homes can suffer. Poor indoor air quality can not only be uncomfortable, causing residents to experience headaches, dry eyes…

Submitted Take the steps to becoming a great landlord, in hopes of gaining great tenants. Renting out a home is a great way for homeowners to earn some extra income. Some homeowners rent their homes in an attempt to wait out a sagging housing market, while others see renting their homes as a long-term commitment…

Submitted Instead of buying a bigger home, expand into the space you already have. Many people decide to upgrade from their apartments or condominiums out of a need for more space. But even after moving into a new home, homeowners may soon begin to outgrow the room they have. Rather than looking for a new…

(MS) — By Scott McGillivray Many of us know that insulation plays a key role in keeping our homes warm in the winter and cool in the summer. But did you know the benefits can go well beyond achieving basic R-value requirements? Quality insulation can provide a number of added benefits that contributes to the…

By Melinda Myers Fall is a great time to plant a few new additions in the landscape. Here are a few ideas for adding immediate and long term beauty to your garden. Add cool season annuals like pansies, snapdragons, ornamental kale and stocks to brighten the fall garden. Consider adding cold hardy pansies. They provide…

Last month, the Southwest Vermont Council on Aging announced receipt of a grant from Efficiency Vermont to help seniors over the age of 60 (and eligible younger disabled folks) save energy and money in their homes through home energy visits. First, SVCOA’s volunteer coordinator Aaron Brush checks to see if the home has been weatherized…

Leaves cascading down from trees indicate the arrival of autumn. However, colorful and awe-inspiring autumn leaves can be a hazard if left to lie on the ground too long. Fallen leaves form a dense insulator to protect trees’ roots and prevent competing plants from growing. Decomposing leaves also provide nutrients for the tree. But wet…

Submitted It is time to switch to a programmable thermostat to heat a home more efficiently. With colder weather right around the corner, many homeowners are once again giving thought to their home heating needs and if it is possible to heat their homes more efficiently. The United States Department of Energy reports that more…

Submitted Experts say autumn is fine time to paint your home’s exterior,  but  do your homework! A fresh coat of paint on a home’s exterior can give a property a vibrant new look. Whether you decide to go with a bold new color or repaint a house in an existing color, new paint can add…

Courtesy of Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce The ribbon cutting at Townline Equipment in Pittsford included: Tom Donahue, EVP/CEO, RRCC; Rep. Butch Shaw, Vt. House of Representatives; Bob Giddings; Jacob Holzwath, Townline Equipment; Hank Pelkey, Pittsford Select Board chair; John Haverstock, Pittsford town manager; TJ Dickinson, Townline Equipment store manger; Matt Marrazzo, Townline Equipment owner;…