The Cool Down

HVAC installer addresses heat pump skeptics on 'the coldest day of the year': 'It didn't even survive the cold'

An HVAC expert was so confident in his heat pump that he couldn't wait to show it off to skeptics on the coldest day of the ...
The Cool Down

Researchers discover causes of rapidly spreading invasive plant threats: 'Seems to depend largely on local conditions'

Non-native plants are outcompeting local species in dry ecosystems around the world, and heavy grazing and fertile soils are helping them do it.
The Cool Down

New survey uncovers surprising trend among homeowners with solar panels — here's what 7 in 10 respondents said

A new survey highlighted a growing trend among people interested in installing solar panels at home. According to EnergySage's 2025 Home Electrification Marketplace Report, almost three out of four ...
The Cool Down

New report warns of overlooked danger plaguing communities in wake of catastrophic storms: 'A problem we need to think about'

Extreme heat after hurricanes poses a deadly risk to recovery crews, with post-storm heat killing as many people as the ...
The Cool Down

New city policy could prohibit building homes without fire-resistant materials: 'A big surprise to builders'

Bend, Oregon, appears poised to become the next city to implement such a requirement, according to The Bulletin.
The Cool Down

Shopper stunned by kitchenware purchased from Goodwill: 'It finally happened to me'

A thrifter found their white whale in a Le Creuset pot, turning fellow thrift shop fans green with envy. "It finally happened ...
The Cool Down

Hiker raises questions after witnessing infuriating trend growing on secluded trails: 'Have the rules ... changed?'

A user on Reddit's r/hiking spotlighted hiker frustrations in California over the "leave no trace" principles.
The Cool Down

Beachgoers infuriated by recurring scene off of coastlines: 'This should be illegal'

Many people's beach experiences are being ruined by intrusive advertisements that block serene views.
thecooldown

Post sparks debate with visual map of e-waste by country

In the r/dataisbeautiful subreddit, the original poster shared a map of Europe showing e-waste generated per capita based on data from a 2022 report by the United Nations Institute for Training and ...
The Cool Down

Homebuyer searches for unbiased advice after noticing seller's 'red flag' roof: 'Everything else about the house looks good'

Buying a house with solar panels on top of an old roof was the title of their post, and it succinctly summarized the quandary at hand.
The Cool Down

Homeowner sparks debate after sharing 'fake news' screenshot about heat pumps: 'It's a common myth trotted out across many platforms'

The idea that heat pumps shut down in freezing weather resurfaces every winter, even as homeowners post their own cold-snap data showing the opposite.
The Cool Down

Experts sound alarm after cuts to US agency expose rare big cats to extinction threat: 'I don't see a future … if we fail here'

Experts warn that the rare creature, which now survives only in a small corner of South Florida, could be pushed closer to extinction if key protections and habitat oversight continue to weaken.