1/16/11

Many nocturnal animals, including migrating birds, depend on pitch-black conditions to make their way through the night sky. So, with the holiday season over, be sure to take down all the exterior decorative lights as soon as possible to help lessen the night's brightness. Also, make a habit of turning off outdoor lights before going to bed to help our feathered friends find their way.

1/15/11

Power outages can be common in the winter months, with winter storms snapping trees and taking down power lines. In case of a long-term outage, one way to save the contents of your fridge is to empty it into a cooler and place it outdoors in the freezing temperatures. This will keep it frozen until the power is restored to your home.

1/14/11

Electrical outlets and light switches inside the house are generally not insulated and can be one of the main energy leaks in the house, allowing cold air into your home. One inexpensive fix is to invest in foam outlet- and switch-sealers, which go underneath the plate, insulating them in seconds.