Winter heating needs can be reduced in a superinsulated structure by more than 80 percent in Minnesota, and by 94 percent to 97 percent in the North Carolina locations. The same dwelling designed for the Minnesota climate can cut air-conditioning needs by 60 percent.

If the temperature inside a house gets below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0° Celsius) it’s likely that the water supply pipes and the drain traps will freeze.

When water freezes it expands 9 percent, and if there is no room for expansion it’s possible that the pipe will burst. When the ice thaws the pipe will leak, and in the supply system this leak could occur anywhere. Fixing a burst pipe can be expensive, but the damage from uncontrolled water leakage can easily reach into the thousands of dollars. Believe me, you do not want to experience the hassle and expense of having a pipe burst and spraying water all over your basement, or anywhere in your home.

A properly-insulated house built to current building codes will probably never experience this problem under normal conditions. What do I mean by normal conditions? The heating system runs properly, the electricity supply stays on, and the furnace fuel supply never runs out.

Read more…

Historic homes are distinguished survivors, having sheltered generations of occupants through harsh elements year after year. As hardy as these homes are, it is important to make sure they are ready for winter weather.

Here are some tips for winterizing your home while keeping its historic materials in mind.

The lawn mover is a machine that cuts you lawn using its blades. In the olden times, homeowners used manual grass cutters. However, as technology evolved, so has the lawnmower. Lawnmovers are very important to us especially during springtime. But as the season ends, we often disregard the importance of the machine.

These 19 tips, from easiest (and cheapest) to hardest, will help you save money by going green, this year and for years to come. Don’t delay: Winter’s coming, and lucrative federal tax incentives won’t last forever.

1. Dodge the Draft(s)
2. Change Furnace Filters
3. Run Fans in Reverse
4. Winterize Your A/C and Water Lines
5. Turn Down Your Water Heater
6. Install Storm Doors and Windows
7. Give Your Heating System a Tune-Up
8. Mind That Thermostat
9. Put Up Some Plastic
10. Use an Energy Monitor
11. Use Caulking and Weatherstriping
12. Put on a Sweater
13. Boost Insulation
14. Insulate Your Pipes
15. Seal Those Ducts
16. Take Advantage of Tax Credits
17. Choose the Right Contractor
18. Get Creative and Go Alternative
19. Upgrade to an Efficient Furnace

Read this article

Home humidifiers are used more in the winter as humidity decreases. The home’s exterior is on a seasonal maintenance checklist. Heaters and humidifiers should be too.

A bit of background on how a humidifier works will be helpful. Anyone with a swamp cooler probably already understands the concept. The purpose of this appliance is to add a controlled amount of moisture, or humidity, to the home’s living space.