01/01/2012

January is National Radon Action Month, and it's a good time to test your home for the dangerous and odorless gas. Radon gas levels soar during the winter months because we keep our windows closed and spend more time indoors. Approximately 1 in 15 homes across the country have high levels of radon, which is the number one cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers. At-home tests are easy to find at any home improvement store. Once you know your levels, you can find easy ways to remedy the situation.

12/31/11

Heating accounts for more than 29 percent of all annual utility usage, so make sure your heating system is in tip-top shape. One easy thing you can do is to check your ductwork: Is it as tight as possible? Are there any leaks? You can fix leaks with simple duct mastic or tape, which can help reduce heating loss and improve your heating system's efficiency as much as 20 percent. It will also help deliver warmer air throughout the home and that, combined with a programmable thermostat, will save you money and keep you warm all winter long.

12/30/11

This winter season, if you decide to invest in a snow blower for your home, think electric and not gas. Electric snow removal products work just as well as gasoline-powered ones but do not emit any greenhouse gases when being used. Of course, if you have very little to clear, a good manual snow shovel and broom can also do the trick.