Indoor Living

Ladder injuries are one element of sweat equity you may not hear about on home-improvement shows. While human error may explain some of the roughly 200,000 emergency-room visits and 300 deaths each year, so may faulty designs. So you need to be sure your ladder is up to the job.

Chain saws are handy for homeowners who maintain a number of large trees or cut fire wood. And they can be a lifesaver in areas where severe storms cause fallen trees and branches.

When it comes to slurping up spills, some paper towels really do "bring it," which is Bounty's challenge to the messy among us. Among the nearly two dozen products we tested, two Bounty products were best, but a third version absorbed less than its brand mates.

Finding energy-efficient windows has become easier, as insulating features such as heat-reflecting low-E coatings and argon gas between panes have become more standard. You'll also find new options and extras, including fiberglass window frames. Use this buying guide to make your selection.

Phosphates in dishwasher detergents make them more effective but also boost algae growth in fresh water, threatening fish and other plant life. Many major manufacturers are rolling out reformulated low-phosphate dishwasher detergents as more states limit the amount of phosphates in dishwasher detergent.