Creating a beautiful outdoor space isn't just about improving curb appeal. With the right upgrades, your yard can also help reduce energy use, lower utility bills, and create a more comfortable place to spend time with family and friends. The best outdoor improvements are the ones that work hard behind the scenes while still enhancing the look and feel of your home.

Whether you're planning a complete landscape makeover or making a few seasonal updates, here are several projects that combine style with energy efficiency.

Many homeowners are surprised when their monthly utility bills continue to climb despite making an effort to conserve energy. While obvious energy users like heating and air conditioning systems often receive the most attention, many hidden sources of energy waste quietly increase electricity consumption every day.

When homeowners think about increasing their property's value, they often focus on kitchens, bathrooms, or interior renovations. However, outdoor improvements can deliver an equally impressive return while enhancing the way a home is used every day. Thoughtfully planned exterior upgrades not only improve curb appeal but also create more comfortable, functional spaces for relaxing, entertaining, and enjoying the outdoors

In order to save on your electricity bill, Do Not Defrost in the microwave. Instead take your food out of the freezer a little earlier and let it defrost naturally at room temperature.

America’s energy policy has been the subject of much recent debate: From the Pope’s public advocacy of environmental stewardship to the EPA’s toughened regulations on pollution from petroleum refineries.

Every homeowner wishes to conserve energy within their home, and living a more eco-friendly lifestyle has moved to the conscious of families everywhere. Modernize knows that developing a plan to implement this into your life can be a head-scratcher. Some of your home’s big energy suckers are obvious, but some are more hidden. It can be hard to recognize what appliances consume the most energy with no way to track each device.......