CasaSugar

Do You Use Storm Windows?

CasaSugar — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:15:20 -0800

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?

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Casa Quickie: Locate Leaks With a Candle

CasaSugar — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 05:30:17 -0700

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. To fix, use caulking or weather stripping in that area.

Have you tried this technique before to locate leaks?

How-To: 10 Ways to Reuse Wood Ash

CasaSugar — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 10:00:18 -0800

If you have a fireplace or woodburning stove, you likely have a buildup of ashes in a bucket in your garage. Before you toss those ashes in the garbage, try out one of these other uses for wood ash. You may be surprised by how useful this pesky byproduct actually is! Source

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Have You Ever Chopped Firewood?

CasaSugar — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 10:00:00 -0800

When I was growing up, we used a woodstove for supplemental heat. It provided a cozy spot to gather after dinner, and certainly warmed up the main rooms of the house. However, all of that wood heating meant that I had to chop and stack a lot of logs, too.

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How-To: Fix a Leaky Door

CasaSugar — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 08:00:19 -0800

Do you have an exterior door that's less than efficient? Short of replacing it, there are some tricks for fixing, at least temporarily, a leaky door.

Curious about how you can get through the Winter with a slightly lower heating bill? Then check out my tips when you read more.

A draft blocker, placed at the bottom of your door, will help to cut drafts. Whenever you're home, place the draft blocker on the inside bottom of the door.
Use foam tape, where the door meets the frame, to line the door and make the seal tighter if there are significant leaks.
If your door has glass windows, you can use heavy-duty plastic to insulate the glass.
How's the bottom door sweep? Give it a close inspection, and if needed, replace the door sweep.

Source

Cool Idea: A Space Heater That Doesn't Hog Floor Space

CasaSugar — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 08:00:37 -0800

Most space heaters aren't the most savvy in design, and many detract from the overall look of a room. And to add insult to injury, almost all of them demand a fair amount of floor space.

Not so with the Eco Convection Heater ($158). This energy-saving unit only asks for a little over an inch-thick diameter area of wall space when mounted, and is less than two feet square. It's also easy to hang, and can be painted to match your wall color. Just one of these will heat up to 120 square feet of space, too! So, not only can you feel good about using an energy-efficient space heater, but your home can also look good at the same time.

Casa Quickie: Heat Wave

CasaSugar — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 13:00:52 -0800

Do you have a hard time getting motivated on chilly Winter mornings? Instead of shivering through your morning shower, move a space heater into your bathroom. Turn it on as soon as you get up, and then dash off a few morning errands for about 10 minutes. By the time you've started a pot of coffee, set out your work clothes, and fed your cat, the bathroom will be toasty warm. Even if the weather is in the single digits outside your door, you can pretend you're in a tropical paradise for at least the length of your shower. Just make sure to turn off the space heater and flip on the fan when you're done - that way, your energy use will be minimal, and so will the amount of humidity lingering in your bathroom .

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Top 20 Winter Gas-Saving Ideas For Your Home

CasaSugar — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 08:00:36 -0800

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.
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What's Most Difficult About Your Winter Home?

CasaSugar — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 10:00:12 -0800

When it comes to keeping your home tidy, comfortable, and well-decorated, every season has its particular challenges. However, Winter certainly seems to contain the majority of those. What do you find to be the most difficult part about maintaining your home in the Winter?

Source

Cool Idea: Fireplace Substitute

CasaSugar — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 08:30:14 -0800

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). It works really well; plus it's just really nice to have the fireplace ambiance in a place I'm renting, since I obviously couldn't install a real fireplace!"

Do you have a space heater that simulates a fireplace? I love the effect, and think it looks great in DailyCrush's cute living room!