CasaSugar -- Home sweet home.

How-To: Insulate Your Water Heater

casasugar — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:00:01 -0800

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. This way, you're effectively wasting less water since the tap isn't running tepid water when you want hot water.

It's a really easy task, and you'll be able to find the supplies needed at your local hardware store. Make sure to read the manual that goes with your water heater, though, because some manufacturers preclude insulating their heaters. You should also be particularly cautious if you have a gas heater, as it could cause a fire. To learn the steps,

Casa Quickie: Toasty Toes

casasugar — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:00:18 -0700

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. In the morning, you can use the cooled water as a drink for your houseplants, too. Waste not, want not. Source

Nice and New: Travelmate Portable Fireplace

casasugar — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 08:30:14 -0700

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 . . . There's one thing that's never been an easy purchase, and that thing is a fireplace. Why? Because a fireplace requires a chimney, which requires a contractor, bricks, etc.
To find out how to get around those pesky requirements,

Where Do You Put Your Leaves?

casasugar — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 04:30:54 -0700

Many of us rake the leaves that fall into our yards in the Autumn. But where do you put them? Source

Where Do You Put Your Leaves?

I leave them in the yard to compost.

I put them in the green bin.

They go to the dump.

Rake leaves? Not at our house!

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

How-To: Reduce Winter Heating Bills

casasugar — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 08:30:51 -0700

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."

To find out how you can help out, or find assistance with your heating costs,

Casa Verde: Radiant Floor Heating

casasugar — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 04:30:41 -0700

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. When I saw it installed, though, all of the pieces clicked into place.

To see the video explaining this energy-efficient home heating method,

Definition: Radiant Floor Heating

casasugar — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 13:00:16 -0700

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. Since heat rises, it also makes sense to have the heat source at floor level, instead of in elevated vents.
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Open House: How Are You Handling the Cold?

casasugar — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 08:30:49 -0700

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.

Every household seems to have a few tricks up their sleeve about how to winterize their home. What do you do? Do you use draft stoppers on doors? Storm windows? Do you have any ingenious tricks that you haven't heard mentioned here before? Tell me all about it in the comments.
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DIY: Make Your Own Eco Outdoor Fire

casasugar — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 07:00:51 -0700

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.

Here's What You'll Need

A few cans of Eco Fuel
A big metal or ceramic planter box
River rocks

To find out how to do it,

How-To: Save Money on Heating This Winter

casasugar — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 06:15:44 -0700

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.

Keep window shades open to take advantage of the sun's natural heat.
Prune back tree branches that might obstruct part of the sunlight, and remove any awnings over windows that might create cooling shadows.

For the rest of the tips,

How-To: Make Thrifty Home Heating Decisions

casasugar — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 07:45:03 -0700

Worried about how you'll pay your heating bill this Winter? Since I know that this is a concern for many families, I decided to ask heating expert Chris Cooper for some advice on the subject. He took my queries to heart, and then sent me some ideas about lowering heating bills.

According to Chris, this Winter, the cost of heating a home is going to leave many people feeling anything but warm and cozy. In fact, those living in the coldest areas of the United States may well find themselves facing a home-heating crisis when trying to pay their bills. "We have a serious problem," said Dale McCormick, director of Maine's state housing agency. "This Winter is going to be our (Hurricane) Katrina."

To find out the first steps in keeping your heating costs under control,

Casa Verde: Fast Thermostat Facts

casasugar — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 13:00:06 -0700

If you're concerned about keeping a green home, energy efficiency goes hand in hand with eco home products and concepts. And since it's getting chilly again, I thought I'd give you a little refresher on ways to keep your house as energy efficient as possible. It's generally recommended that, to save money on heating, try to keep your thermostat set at a reasonable 68 degrees. Every degree warmer you set your thermostat will increase your energy use by 6-8 percent, which also means a rise in your heating bill. So, instead of notching up the thermostat, take a quick tip from me and layer up instead.

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The Card Shop: Hello! Lucky Welcome Home Greeting Card

casasugar — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:00:19 -0700

The next time you're attending a housewarming party, once you've built your housewarming bucket, you'll need a cheerful card to wish your friends or neighbors well in their new digs. The Hello! Lucky Welcome Home Greeting Card ($4.50) will fit the bill and then some. Its lively plant motifs in lime green and chocolate brown are just the thing to sow good vibes in their home, and its heavy card stock will surely impress. And, if you happen to be giving a plant as a housewarming gift, it couldn't be more appropriate!

Casa Quickie: A Housewarming Bucket

casasugar — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:00:12 -0700

Moving into a new house is stressful. You're finally cured of the headache of packing, and then it occurs to you that you still have to unpack! Then, something inevitably goes wrong. The faucet only gives off hot water, the movers break something, etc. Then, you think you're all set and ready to settle in and you realize you're out of t.p. Ugh! So, as much as a warm apple pie or a batch of your specialty cookies will taste delightful to your new neighbors or a friend who's just moved, a more useful (and migraine-relieving) housewarming gift is a bucket of the essentials she'll need to get settled. Think about the things that were most helpful to you when you moved. Then, pick up a handsome galvanized bucket, or even a colorful scrub bucket, and then comb the aisles of at the hardware store for those items, as well as any tools and practical items they might need. If you happen to throw a cold Corona or a black-and-white cookie in there while you're at it, I don't think you'll face any opposition.
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13 Illusive Radiators to Haute Things Up

casasugar — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 10:00:37 -0700

Sick of the way radiators have historically been made, some designers have decided to achieve house warming with something a bit more artistic. Whether you're sitting by the heat source or not, these radiators will become an instant focal point in your home. Gate by Lucy Merchant, for example, a fine example of trompe-l'œil, is a Desperate Housewives-style picket fence gate that requires only a standard installation to get temperatures rising in your home. Check out this slideshow to meet 12 more hotties!

Casa Quickie: Sock It to 'Em

casasugar — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 04:30:34 -0700

Want a quick, free tip for staying warm in your home? Put on socks. I know, it sounds ridiculously simple, but by keeping your feet warm, you'll help to warm up your entire body. Layering clothing, such as by wearing a wool sweater over your t-shirt, will also help you to keep your body temperature up, and your thermostat down — a great way to save money on home heating oil this Fall and Winter.

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Do You Have a Wood Stove?

casasugar — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 05:30:51 -0700

Unlike fireplaces, which are actually a heat suck, wood stoves are an efficient way to partially heat your homes. I know that they always made my childhood house cozier in the Fall and Winter. Do you have one in your home? Source

Do You Have a Wood Stove?

Yes, and I love it.

Yes, but I don't use it that often.

I had one in a former house, but not any more.

No, I've never had a wood stove.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

October Must Haves

casasugar — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:00:03 -0700

Last month, though we bid adieu to Summer, warm weather still made an appearance for many of us every now and then. This month, we'll know it's Fall for sure when we see the ground covered in orange leaves and feel a chill in our homes. Instead of reminiscing about memories of poolside barbecues and outdoor festivities, we'll face the season head on, and do our best to enjoy October in our homes. There will be plenty of warming products, tips, and tricks coming your way this month, whether it's cozy colors or thermal appliances, since October's theme is House Warming. Here are a few favorites to get you started. Source