So This Is Christmas

Merry Christmas is such an infectious feeling I like to feel that way all year around.

So if you are visiting just before Christmas, just after Christmas or even here on Christmas day I am sure you will find something of interest for you and in the spirit of Christmas.

It may be said that Christmas is no longer a celebration but this must be spoken by people that have never had trouble closing their eyes on Christmas Eve in an expectation of what maybe left for them on the carpet under the tree.

I continue to look forward to the surprise on my Grandchild's faces to this day at Christmas events.

Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas

Monday, July 6, 2009

Save Money and Cut Your Home Energy Costs

By Ethan O. Tanner

Heating bills are rising up in every part of the country and the trend will continue because of World energy demands. The average US household expense on energy bills is estimated at 6% to 8% of the income. Owners of efficient new houses spend considerably less than the people living in old houses. Financial burden due to increased energy expenses can be reduced by weatherizing and conserving.

Among the Easiest and cost-efficient Ways to bring down your household Heating bill is by an Infrared Radiant Heater. This type of heater comprises economic, energy efficient heat, and it offers clean air. Infrared heat waves disperse the heat equally, regardless of the position of the heater. This type of heater will oftentimes save upward of 50% over traditional heating sources.

Your house can be energy deficient in plumbing, insulation or heating. In many old houses, the biggest problem is not the cold air coming from windows but the air filtration from the basement due to floor joists and the structures supporting the floor. In an average American home, 50%-70% of the energy used goes to heating and cooling.

If your house is built before 1980, it may no have adequate insulation. While most owners focus on attic insulation, they should not ignore the basement ceiling. Fiber glass is not a good insulation material as air flows right through it. Use spray foam or cellulose as an insulation materials for proper insulation.

Caulk and weather-strip all doors and windows that leak air. Look for all plumbing, ducting and electrical wiring that penetrates through exterior walls and seal those to prevent hot air leaking out. Keep the flue damper tightly closed when the fire place is not in use. If you are planning to change windows in your house, shop for insulating windows and install them as tight fitting as possible. You can use heavy duty clear plastic sheet to the inside of your window and seal them properly to prevent any leak.

Another area where home owners can focus to reduce their energy bill is conservation. If you have an old thermostat, replace it with a new electronics control thermostat with digital readouts. An electronics control thermostat is more precise than a dial type thermostat. Better, yet, is a programmable thermostat that you can program for the different hours of the day and night.

When you purchase new appliances, look for the "Energy Star tag. Energy Star tagged appliances are qualified to be energy effective. Most appliances now show a bright yellow and black Energy Guide tag. These tags will tell you the medium energy usange cost of the appliance. While shopping for any appliance, don't forget to take into account this cost as added factor to measure before you make your final judgment. You can find additional energy tips at www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips.

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