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How-To: Insulate Your Water Heater
Even though we've already wrapped up (har har) House Warming month, I thought I'd show you how to insulate your water heater. After all, Winter's still ahead of us, as are those expensive heating bills. This project improves your hot water efficiency by keeping water in the pipes warmer, delivering hotter water when you run the hot faucet.
Casa Quickie: Toasty Toes
To save money this Winter and still keep your bed toasty, switch your electric blanket for a hot-water bottle. This tried-and-true method may seem like a remnant of the past, but it's absolutely effective for keeping your feet warm in a chilly bed. Just fill the water bottle with hot water, pop it under the covers, and drift off to sleep.
Nice and New: Travelmate Portable Fireplace
When it comes to most of the products I recommend, finances are usually the only thing keeping you from taking them home. OK, maybe your husband would be opposed to mirrored furniture, but, moving on . .
Where Do You Put Your Leaves?
Many of us rake the leaves that fall into our yards in the Autumn. But where do you put them?
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Where Do You Put Your Leaves?
How-To: Reduce Winter Heating Bills
Recently, heating expert Chris Cooper shared some advice for thrifty Winter heating. He's back, with some hints on how to cut your heating bills or to assist other families with their high heating bills. Chris notes that, "Research compiled by the National Fuel Funds Network proves that fuel poverty leads to 'heat or eat' situations, [where] families strive in vain for a safe balance between paying for food and paying for energy."
Casa Verde: Radiant Floor Heating
Many of you were intrigued by my definition of radiant floor heating, but you wanted to find out more about how it worked. Instead of trying to explain the concept abstractly, I thought I'd show you an explanation. I know that when I first heard about radiant floor heating, it seemed a little confusing.
Definition: Radiant Floor Heating
Radiant floor heating is a highly efficient heating system that involves heating the floor with electric tubes or a hydronic (hot water tubes) system beneath the floor boards. The way it works is that heat is delivered directly from the floors, warming up any objects (furnishings) or people they strike, which in turn radiate that heat. It is more efficient than traditional forced-air heating because no energy is lost through the air ducts, and hydronic systems use little electricity and can also be heated by a variety of energy sources.
Open House: How Are You Handling the Cold?
As temperatures drop, our homes' thermostats creep up, and with those rising thermostats come rising bills. This week, I offered you some advice on keeping your house warm while keeping your costs down. From wearing layers to household fixes, there are actually some easy ways to make your house more efficient and cozy, that will also help you lower those heating bills.
DIY: Make Your Own Eco Outdoor Fire
As the nights get chillier, many of us crave the warmth of an outdoor fire, but might be concerned about the pollutants that a roaring wood fire produces. Leave it to green designer Michelle Kaufmann to create a solution to this problem. She's come up with a great, inexpensive, and very modern-looking way to create an outdoor fire on your patio, deck, or in your yard.
How-To: Save Money on Heating This Winter
Recently, heating expert Chris Cooper shared some advice for thrifty Winter heating. Check out these ideas for reducing your Winter heating bill with these tips, which may surprise you. Even small adjustments in everyday life and habits can result in significant cost savings.
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