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Do You Use Storm Windows?
Storm windows were once a common weatherization measure in older homes, but since new windows have super-efficient glass, it's less common. However, older homes that still use single-pane glass can benefit from the use of storm windows. Do you use them in your home?
Casa Quickie: Reverse Your Ceiling Fan's Direction
If you live in the northern hemisphere and haven't yet switched the direction of your ceiling fan's blades, now's the time to do so. You want to make sure that the blades' direction is switched from moving in a counterclockwise direction to a clockwise direction.
To do so, just flip the switch at the base so that the blades rotate clockwise (that's when you're looking up at it from below).
Casa Quickie: Shut 'em Down
If you have a guest bedroom or storage space that you rarely use, keep that room off your Winter heating radar. Do so by closing the heating vents in the room, and closing the door. Use a draft blocker on the door to prevent the room's cold air from seeping into other rooms of your house.
Casa Quickie: Locate Leaks With a Candle
If you live in an old house, chances are that you might have some drafts coming in through window and door frames. To find out for sure, light a candle, and hold it along the frames (just don't get too close to any curtains). If the candle flame flickers or smokes, there's a leak.
Casa Verde: Quaker Oats Fuel This School
I love to see America's universities taking a lead in environmental awareness and sustainability, so I was thrilled to hear about the University of Iowa's biomass project. For the past few years, the university has worked with a local Quaker Oats plant to replace the burning of coal with the burning of oat hulls, which are a waste product from the Quaker Oats factory.
About 60 tons of discarded oat hulls from Quaker Oats are delivered daily to the UI power plant, and this organic material is burned with coal to produce energy for the school.
How-To: Paint Your Cast-Iron Radiator
Now that it's Summer, and you're not likely to be heating your home much, it's a good time to make sure your radiator is looking sharp. If you have a cast-iron radiator in an older home, it may be plagued with chipping paint, or maybe you'd like to freshen it up or make it blend into your walls with some color. In any case, it'll take you just a few hours and some elbow grease to give it a paint job that's worthy of your stylish crib.
How-To: Beat the Heat the Eco-Friendly Way
San Francisco is in the midst of heat wave, and as much as I love putting on my Summer dresses, I'm not a fan of looking like a stick of melted butter. If the temperature in your 'hood hasn't risen yet, trust me, it will. So, I have a few tips for conquering the heat when it does.
Top 20 Winter Gas-Saving Ideas For Your Home
When the weather outside is frightful, your home's temperature — and your gas bill — shouldn't be. Reducing your gas heating costs isn't as simple as turning down the thermostat; everything from plugging up air leaks to using a broiler can cut your monthly heating costs drastically. So I've compiled the top 20 ways to save cash on gas at home.
What Temperature Do You Keep Your Thermostat?
Keeping your thermostat lower certainly can help lower your heating bills, but sometimes it leaves residents too chilly for comfort. Where's your thermostat?
Source
What Temperature Do You Keep Your Thermostat?
Cool Idea: Fireplace Substitute
CasaSugar reader DailyCrush wrote to me with a great tip on a cute space heater. Since everyone's looking for ways to stay cozy this season, I knew you'd appreciate the tip.
DailyCrush says, "I use the Dimplex Compact Electric Stove to heat up the living room in my very tiny house (my living room is only about 10 x 15).
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