Tag Archives: heating

Shutters Can Be More than Window Dressing

Back in the 19th century, shutters provided homeowners with a means of protection from the elements. From rain to wind and from sun to snow, shutters were a necessary part of a house. In the intervening time between then and now, shutters evolved into more of a decorative and visual role instead of a sturdy functional one. Shutters some in many different styles and designs and most of them are simply painted and then attached flat on either side of a window. Shutters can be more than window dressing. In fact, these days with everyone conscious of a growing problem … Continue reading →

Surviving a Low Thermostat (4)

How are you doing today with your low thermostat? Are you feeling comfortable? If not, you can read some more of these tips that will allow you to feel warm, even if you turn the thermostat down low. I have to confess today that my thermostat is inched up. it is a whopping 67 degrees in here, much warmer than we usually have it. Today is special because of two things. One, we have an ice and rain storm happening, and I want to keep the house a little warmer in case we lose power. The other reason is that … Continue reading →

Surviving a Low Thermostat (3)

We have been talking about ways to make it easier to feel comfortable while keeping the thermostat low to save on heating costs. I have found that we have been saving a lot by putting up with a cooler home this during this winter. Along the way, I’ve learned a few things that has helped us feel more comfortable. And as an added bonus, I find that our bodies more adjusted to the outdoors, so we can spend more time going for walks, playing in the backyard and exploring a local botanical garden (Yes there is still plenty to do … Continue reading →

Surviving a Low Thermostat (2)

In yesterday’s article, I talked about some practical ways that you can feel comfortable in your home while keeping the thermostat down low. This can save you a ton of money, especially with today’s rising costs in home heating oil, gas and electricity. If you missed that article, you can click here to read it now. Surviving a Low Thermostat. Do you dread being cold at night? Turn the temperature up a bit at night (a degree or two) a few hours before bed. Your body may be winding down and less efficient at retaining heat. The extra heat will … Continue reading →

Surviving a Low Thermostat

With heating costs being higher than ever, many of us are inching the thermostat lower and lower to save some money. There are plenty of strategies to save money on heating, such as installing a programmable thermostat, using zones heating, sealing up cracks, etc. But this blog isn’t about all of that. Instead, I’ll share some ways that you can be more comfortable in your home, even if you turn the temperature down. Just one little disclaimer. If you have anyone in your household who is elderly, sick or an infant, I wouldn’t try keeping a low thermostat. Conserve in … Continue reading →

Keeping Warm with Blankets

Using blankets is a very frugal strategy. The cost savings over many years makes blankets earn their keep many times over. Think of it this way: each layer of blankets that you add to your bed at night saves you many dollar a year in your heating cost. The weather is certainly getting crisp here. After having temperatures in the high eighties in the beginning of last week, we have plummeted down to the fifties and sixties. The sudden shift makes us all feel really cold. Although we toughed it out for a few days, my husband finally turned on … Continue reading →

Using Blankets to Block Drafts

Right now in my house we have the “blanket brigade.” It is the only way to keep warm when the wind-chill is negative 10 and we don’t want to pour our energy cost out the window (and doors). The blanket brigade is in charge of making sure that there is always a heavy blanket blocking the drafts in the house, particularly the outside doors. We fold the blankets, so that there is a good number of layers and then we place them along the bottom of our doors. Whenever a family member needs to go in or out of the … Continue reading →

Home Heating Costs: Have You Done the Snow Test?

As I sit here in my little office in Pennsylvania, I can see the snow falling yet again. It has been snowing on and off for the past few days. Sometimes it sticks and sometimes it doesn’t. One thing that is consistent about the weather is that it has been cold. Brrrrrr. We are all walking around the house with double socks and pullover or zip-up jackets. The furnace seems to be constantly running, and I have been keeping the little ones in their footie pajamas. One of the benefits of the snow, believe it or not is an improved … Continue reading →

Home Generators—What You Should Know Before Buying One

Did you know that a single home generator is capable of emitting a hundred times more carbon monoxide than a car? Firefighters say it’s true… running a generator in your home could be fatal. It happens all over the country and in a shockingly short amount of time. Mother Nature’s brutal attack on America’s Heartland earlier this month forced many homeowners’ to rent, buy, or use existing generators to power their homes. Sadly, one woman in Oklahoma who was forced to use a home generator following a round of ice storms, died in her apartment when carbon monoxide filled her … Continue reading →

Earn $500 to Improve Your Home

If you are thinking about making your home more energy efficient, this year is the perfect time. There is a federal tax credit in effect that makes you eligible for up to a $500 credit when you make energy-efficient home improvements. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 is in effect for improvements up to December 31, 2007. That give you almost the whole year to plan and improve. I am a big fan of making our home more energy efficient. After all, it saves big money in the long run, and may even make your house more valuable when it … Continue reading →