Living & Home

Berlin – September 15, 2026 -- Homeowners weighing a heating system upgrade are being pointed underground, as geothermal heat pumps promise lower long-term costs despite steeper installation prices. A new short study by consulting firm Prognos, commissioned by the Bundesverband Geothermie, the Erdwärmegemeinschaft Bayern, and the Bundesverband Wärmepumpe (BWP), finds that ground-source systems can undercut air-source heat pumps by roughly 8 percent in total annual costs over a 20-year period.

Ground temperatures stay near 10 degrees Celsius year-round

In Central Europe, subsurface temperatures remain relatively constant at around 10 degrees Celsius throughout the year. This narrow gap between the heat source and the heating system keeps operating conditions favorable even in winter, translating into consistently lower running costs.

Rancho Santa Fe, California – – September 15, 2026 -- The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe has completed a $14 million renovation of its Clubhouse, unveiling reimagined dining, gathering spaces, and member amenities at the private golf club.

The project, designed by Hatch Design Group and Ohana Architects, blends the club's original Tuscan architecture with contemporary Mediterranean design elements.

The Dining Room now features century-old reclaimed white oak floors

The Terrace has been outfitted with radiant-heated stone floors, while the Club Bar received sound-attenuation panels to improve acoustics in social spaces.

Tucson, Arizona – September 13, 2026 -- JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa has completed a full renovation of its 524 guestrooms and 51 suites, adding 16 suites to meet demand from luxury travelers.

New suite categories target families and stargazers

The resort introduced Family Bunk Bed Suites, pairing a king bed with twin bunks, alongside a new JW Camper Experience that includes a child-sized play camper, a campfire prop, sleeping bag, cookies, and an activity book. Four new Sonoran Starr Suites offer 1,275 square feet of living space plus an 868-square-foot private terrace, complete with a premium telescope for viewing Tucson's dark skies. Junior Suites grew by 13, and Executive Suites expanded from 15 to 20, each with separate living areas and private balconies.

Bonn – September 12, 2026 -- A precast concrete garage can shield cars, e-bikes and tools from break-ins, storm damage and summer heat, according to the Fachvereinigung Betonfertiggaragen e.V. (Association for Precast Concrete Garages). The group notes that nearly half of all burglary attempts fail, and that resistance time is the key factor deterring intruders.

Doors and gates should meet resistance class RC 2

Police recommend doors and windows meet at least resistance class RC 2 under DIN EN 1627, while garage doors should be tested and classified under DIN/TS 18194. "RC-2 elements are tested with simple tools in a standardized procedure and must withstand at least three minutes of resistance. It is important that the entire element is installed correctly," says Matthäus Moser of the association.

Hoofddorp – September 12, 2026 -- EZVIZ used its IFA showcase in Hall 1.2 to launch a new lineup of AI-powered smart access devices, including video doorbells, video intercoms and gate openers aimed at European households.

The EP8 Ultra doorbell adds an AI-driven screen for building entrances

The EP8 Ultra, which launched shortly before IFA, features a dual-lens camera that shows both visitors and packages -- a rarity on the market, according to EZVIZ. The device also includes an interactive screen with AI-generated characters and on-device facial recognition for familiar faces, designed to save energy while targeting entryways like apartment corridors.

Mobile, Ala. – September 12, 2026 -- A new HelloNation article breaks down what homeowners insurance actually pays for, drawing on insights from Mobile-based Insurance Professional Nathan Skipper.

Dwelling coverage protects the physical structure of a home

Walls, roofs, floors, ceilings, and permanently installed features are typically covered, according to the article. Damage from fire, wind, hail, or lightning may be included depending on the policy.

Detached structures carry separate coverage limits

Garages, sheds, and fences often have limits tied to the overall dwelling coverage amount, the article notes, which affects how protection is divided across a property.

San Diego – September 12, 2026 -- SuperStorage has enrolled all 16 of its California self-storage facilities in their local Chambers of Commerce, a move the company says formalizes its ties to the neighborhoods it operates in.

Facility managers now attend local Chamber events in person

SuperStorage facility managers across the state are participating in Chamber-sponsored ribbon cuttings, business mixers, and community fundraisers. The company frames the membership as a way to build relationships with nearby businesses and stay connected to local needs rather than simply leasing storage units.

Kathy Carlson, Area Manager of SuperStorage, said joining the Chamber of Commerce reinforces the company's role as a trusted local business, adding that staff live and work in the communities they serve and aim to earn resident trust through secure, clean, and convenient units paired with straightforward customer service.

Idaho Falls – September 12, 2026 -- Homeowners in Idaho Falls planning electrical upgrades may need a permit before work begins, according to a new HelloNation article detailing local requirements. The piece outlines which residential electrical projects require approval from the local building department and which minor repairs can proceed without one.

Most wiring changes require sign-off before work starts

The article states that installing new circuits, completing a panel upgrade, or handling large remodels all require an electrical work permit issued locally. These rules exist to confirm that work meets Idaho electrical code standards and passes a formal electrical inspection.

Lakeland – September 12, 2026 -- Metal roofing is gaining ground among Central Florida homeowners looking to survive hurricane season without a full roof replacement every couple decades. A new HelloNation article, featuring insights from Lakeland roofing expert Robbie Sanger, breaks down why the material is becoming a go-to choice in storm-prone parts of the state.

Metal panels can outlast asphalt shingles by decades

Asphalt shingles typically last 15 to 25 years, but properly installed metal roofing systems can last between 40 and 70 years, according to the article. That extended lifespan can offset the higher upfront cost, meaning fewer replacements and less disruption for homeowners over time.

Chandler – September 12, 2026 -- SelectBlinds has launched Nautica Home, a new collection of customizable window coverings developed in partnership with lifestyle brand Nautica, available exclusively on SelectBlinds.com.

The collection covers three core product types

Nautica Home includes Roller Shades, Roman Shades, and Drapery, all built to SelectBlinds' made-to-measure manufacturing standards. Customers order through the company's existing online platform, personalizing each piece to fit their own windows.

Designs borrow Nautica's coastal aesthetic

The patterns draw on stripes, nautical motifs, botanicals, woven textures, and solid neutrals. SelectBlinds says the styles suit a range of homes, from Cape Cod cottages to modern coastal interiors and everyday living spaces.