By: Yale Wolk, Erinson Home Inspections A wet basement is not fun, and emotion can get the best of you when your basement springs a leak. You'll want immediate action to correct the problem! But before you act, if you understand where water in a basement can originate, you'll be better prepared to take the most effective (and often least expensive) corrective steps. Many people automatically assume that water coming into a basement can only come from underground: a high water table or a … [Read more...]
5 Spring Energy Saving Tips
March 13, 2010 By Leave a Comment
1. Adjust Vents Seasonally. Most vents are coordinated so that they are on the ceiling of one floor and on the floorboards of the one above. Opening baseboard heat vents—and closing ceiling vents—in the winter allows warm air to rise from the floor below. Adjust ceiling fans accordingly to control air flow with the seasons; Spring/summer, pull cool air up. 2. Seal Outlets, Switches, Windows and Doors: Air seeps in through outlets and switches. Add gaskets behind switches to help prevent … [Read more...]
5 Winter Energy Savings Tips
February 8, 2010 By Leave a Comment
1. Ceiling fans can save you a bundle if you have them adjusted correctly. This actually not only saves me on heating fuel and electricity conditioning in the summer months, it makes my home noticably more comfortable. make sure the fans are drafting DOWN in winter, pushing the warm air that rises DOWN. I am always on the warm side, so I get uncomfortable in winter AND SUMMER if the heat follows me upstairs. In summer we want to pull the cold air UP! 2. Do you have fireplaces? Check the flu … [Read more...]
New Appliance Cash for Clunkers
January 28, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Starting 01/10 The Feds & States team up to offer $$ back on old appliances. Like the auto Cash for Clunkers, there are limits and deadlines. EACH STATE IS DIFFERENT so if you want to participate you will neeed to know rules. I will do a more extensive column on this but for now here are some highlights: 1. Illinois' program began this month--others do not start until March or April. 2. IL eligible products include: Refrigerators / Freezers / Clothes washers /Dishwashers /Room air … [Read more...]
Federal Money to Winterize Your Home!
September 29, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Baby, It's Cold Outside! "And it's hard to hold a candle in the cold November rain" - Guns 'n Roses Here is a riddle: What is invisible yet necessary and costs the average household $2,200 (or more) each year no matter where in the country you live? If your answer was "Energy" you win the satisfaction of being a smarty pants! Seriously, the average household spends $2,200 per year for heat, cooling, and other forms of energy. The average water heater bill alone is $242 of that total … [Read more...]
Sign up for Jan's Money Saving Updates and receive a FREE copy of our ebook, "13 Steps to Coupon Savvy."
