Michael Franco

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A creative director with Reader's Digest for ten years, also formerly serving as site editor for a division of About.com, Michael Franco has spent over a decade covering science, technology, hospitality and home improvement. His writing credits include Angie's List, Good Housekeeping, Consumer Reports, and National Geographic. A graduate of Ithaca College and Manhattanville College, with a BA in English and an MA in Creative Writing, Mr. Franco once owned and operated a bed and breakfast in Amish country. Today, he lives and works in Asheville, NC. Michael Franco on LinkedIn | Google +

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OCTOBER 17, 2014 | FRIDAY
7 Things to Do Right Now for a Warmer Winter

The crisp snap of autumn weather is a reminder that even colder days lie ahead. Get ready for them by performing a few simple chores now that will keep you toasty all winter long.

OCTOBER 17, 2014 | FRIDAY
Heat Your Entire House with a New Radiant Heat System

Despite all the attention radiant heating has received over the last few years, you still might not regard it as a viable alternative to traditional systems, such as hydronic baseboards o...

OCTOBER 13, 2014 | MONDAY
Your Guide to Navigating the New World of Light Bulbs

January 2014 signaled the final stage in the phaseout of standard incandescent light bulbs in the United States. As of January 1, traditional incandescents are no longer permitted to be p...

OCTOBER 7, 2014 | TUESDAY
The Only 7 Tools You Need to Paint Any Room

Hands-down, painting is the biggest way to change the look and feel of a room on the smallest budget. Few projects are as DIY-friendly as painting, not least because you only need a small...

OCTOBER 2, 2014 | THURSDAY
How To: Weatherstrip a Door the Right Way

Door drafts can be a cause of real discomfort. Besides the immediate unpleasantness of a chilly gust invading the warmth of your home in winter, there’s also the impact that drafts can ha...

SEPTEMBER 23, 2014 | TUESDAY
The Toilets of Tomorrow

High-tech appliances, gadgets, and gizmos are steadily marching into all corners of our lives. So it only makes sense that advanced technology would insinuate itself into our… bathrooms? ...

SEPTEMBER 18, 2014 | THURSDAY
The Right Way to Load a Dishwasher

Of all kitchen appliances, the dishwasher must rank as one of the greatest, don't you think? It's a true time-saver. While the alternative involves laborious scrubbing, this wonderful con...

SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 | MONDAY
5 Minutes Flat: 7 Upgrades You Can Do in Under 300 Seconds

Home improvement projects don’t have to drag on for weeks—or even wait for the weekend! Here are 7 easy upgrades that you can accomplish in just a little more time than a typical commerci...

AUGUST 25, 2014 | MONDAY
Brokers Reveal 7 "Works Every Time" Ways to Boost Home Resale Value

Whether you're looking to relocate, retire, downsize, or upsize, the process of selling your home can create a long and wild to-do list. But putting your place on the market doesn’t need ...

AUGUST 12, 2014 | TUESDAY
Meet the Brighter Alternative to Traditional Skylights

There's nothing quite like natural light to brighten the rooms of a home. For one thing, sunlight's free, so making good use of it can cut down on electricity costs. For another, exposure...