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Recently we saw that the Lux Thermostat was mentioned as an energy savings device in Simran Sethi’s article at Oprah.com entitled “Energy Hogs (and Heifers)” on February 16th, 2010. Here is a link to article.
March is an exciting month with lots to celebrate and look forward to. There is March Madness, St. Patrick’s Day, and the beginning of Daylight Savings.
There is also an event that will happen this month that not many know about. March Polar week runs from the 15th through 19th. It is an opportunity for scientists, researchers and educators from over 60 nations to share, examine and discuss evidence of global warming.
Although many of us will never encounter sea ice, mountain glaciers or meet free-living penguins or polar bears, we can still recognize the impact of polar changes in our global systems. We can see the effects in the extreme weather conditions in foreign lands, across our country, and in our own backyards.
It seems overwhelming, but one small simple change in your daily life can help make a difference.
TAKE ACTION!
A few simple ideas:
- ADJUST YOUR THERMOSTAT: lower your thermostat two degrees in the winter and raise it two degrees in the summer. Save 2000 lbs. of carbon dioxide and $98 per year. (See AMAZON.COM).
- PUT ON A SWEATER: instead of cranking up the heat in your home., put on a sweater or sweatshirt. Save 1,000 lbs. or carbon dioxide and $250 per year.
- CHANGE THE AC FILTER: clean or replace air conditioner filters as recommended. Save 350 lbs. of carbon dioxide and $150 per year.
- CHECK YOUR WATER HEATER: keep your water heater thermostat no higher than 120 degrees. Save 550 lbs. of carbon dioxide and $30 per year.
- TAKE SHORTER SHOWERS: showers account for 2/3 of all water heating costs. Save 350 lbs. of carbon dioxide and $99 per year.
- FILL THE DISHWASHER: run your dishwasher only with a full load. Save 100 lbs. of carbon dioxide and $40 per year.
- AIR DRY YOUR CLOTHES: line dry your clothes in the Spring and Summer instead of using the dryer. Save 700 lbs. of carbon dioxide and $75 per year.
- WEATHERIZE YOUR HOME: Caulk and weather-strip your doorways and windows. Save 1,700 lbs. of carbon dioxide and $274 per year.
- USE COMPACT FLUORESCENT BULBS: replace 3 frequently used light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. Save 300 lbs. of carbon dioxide and $60 per year.
- UNPLUG UN-USED ELECTRONICS: even when electronic devices are turned off, they use energy. Save over 1,000 lbs. of carbon dioxide and $256 per year.
ENVIRONMENTAL SAVINGS: 8,050 lbs. carbon dioxide
FINANCIAL SAVINGS: $1,332
MARCH TRULY IS A MONTH TO CELEBRATE GREEN!!
NOTHING LIKE A LITTLE CONTROVERSY!
I thought it would be a straightforward answer to an easy question: Who invented the thermostat?
Well there seems to be quite a few people taking the credit! And the contenders so far are:
-Warren Johnson in 1883
-Albert Buzz in 1885
-Cornelius Drebbel in the early 17th century
-Sir Edmond Halley(of the famous Halley’s Comet)
Please post any others or give me some hard proof!
SURVING THE WINTER STORM
As we’ve seen in the news, winter storms can cripple communities. So here are a few tips on being well prepared for a blizzard, severe storm or extreme cold.
- Be sure to have flashlights, extra batteries, candles and matches to provide light during a power failure.
- Keep extra bottles of drinking water on hand. Also fill a tub with water for back up.
- Have a battery-operated radio on hand for news/storm updates.
- Have a snow shovel and salt /sand to prevent icy and slippery driveways and sidewalks.
- Keep a first aid kit in an easily accessible location.
- Stock canned goods and a manual can opener.
- Be entertained. There’s nothing worse than just sitting around waiting for time to go by. Have board games and cards on hand.
- Extra blankets and warm clothing to bundle up.
- Learn how to shut off water valves in case pipes freeze or burst.
- Get a programmable thermostat with battery default. When your energy is restored, you won’t have to re-program your entire HVAC system. The heat will start back immediately (See AMAZON.COM).
- Anything else vital to you or your household: diapers, formula, prescriptions.
DO YOU HATE SHARING YOUR BIRTHDAY?
Presidents Day was originally called Washington’s Birthday and was the only president celebrated on that day. Washington’s birthday has been publicly celebrated since he was in office. It wasn’t until 1968 that the “President’s Day” was coined, combining two of our nation’s greatest. George Washington was born on February 22nd 1732 and Abraham Lincoln many years later on February 12th 1809. Washington was our founding father and Lincoln abolished slavery. Now that’s a celebration!
Now that the holidays have ended and all the excitement has subsided, we look ahead to a long stretch of cold winter. This is the time of year when the winter blues start to settle in. But here are a few ideas to help thwart getting stuck in a rut.
- See the beauty of winter:
Look at how gorgeous landscapes are after a winter snow. Children’s laughter while playing in the snow, making snowmen and angels, hot cocoa after playing are all wonderful memories that we should just enjoy. They go by all too quickly.
- Take advantage of the season:
This is the perfect opportunity to start that hobby you’ve been talking about. Start an activity that you can enjoy outdoors: skiing, skating or ice fishing. Or work on your creative side. Start scrap booking or organize old photos. Take up knitting or needlepoint. Try something artistic like drawing, painting, pottery or photography.
- Redo your wardrobe:
Assess what’s in you closet. Create new looks. Reorganize and make piles of things that you’re going to keep or donate to Goodwill. Giving to those less fortunate always makes you more appreciative of what you have.
- Get cozy:
Make a fire and eat marshmallows or make s’mores with the kids. Grab a mug of hot chocolate and curl up with a good book. Make popcorn and watch classic movies.
- Get cooking:
This is the perfect weather for soups and stews. Try a new recipe or an old family classic. Have fun with the kids and make cookies or cupcakes.
- Feel the love:
This is the perfect time to spend with people you love. Reconnect with old friends or simply stop over to a neighbor. Visit family or make a phone call. Laughter and good company is the perfect remedy for bad weather or a blue mood.
- Volunteer:
Giving your time is a wonderful thing to do any time of year. Volunteer a your local church, community center, school or soup kitchen. Doing something selfless or helping those less fortunate always makes you realize how blessed you truly are.
- Enjoy the great outdoors:
Take a brisk walk(Unless the weather would cause a risk). The fresh air and exercise is not only great for you physically, but also mentally. Sunlight combats the winter blues. Just dress appropriately and don’t take risks if there is ice or it’s too cold(frostbite and hypothermia are serious medical conditions)
- Be a historian:
Visit a museum, library, or local visitor center. Find out the history of your town. I bet there’s tons of things that have happened in your town that may not even know about. You could even start a family tree.
- Small projects save big bucks:
Now is the perfect opportunity to finish those small projects around the house. Check for drafts or fix cracked windows. Preventing air from escaping your home could save tons on utility bills. Change filters in your HVAC unit. A unit that runs more efficiently will save you money each month. Install a programmable thermostat (See AMAZON.COM). A programmable thermostat will adjust the temperature in your home so that you will always be comfortable. It will heat your home while your family is there, but not continue to run and waste energy and dollars, when you’re not at home. You can program it to fit your schedule so that it works best for you. This can add up to big bucks by the end of the year.
Installing a home thermostat is easy to do. Here is a link to a good on-line article at homerepair.about.com to provide you step-by-step instructions on how you can install a new thermostat (Click here to view article). Also, see AMAZON.COM for a wide selection of thermostats for your home.
Christmas time is a perfect time of year to make an extra effort or do something special for the people who we love and are important in our lives.This year we are once again in tough financial times. Since we are not always able to dig deep in our pockets, we should dig deep in our hearts for those we care about. This recession forces us to get a little more creative about giving at this time of year.
Gift The Gift Of Time:
Now is the perfect opportunity to offer a service. When we think of volunteering, we normally think of church, community center or philanthropy of our choice. But volunteer work can also be appreciated and very helpful on a smaller scale. Give vouchers for free babysitting to an overwhelmed mom, trips to the store for elderly or for someone who may not be able to get out of the house often.
This is the perfect time of year if you are the DIY guru in your home. Offer to fix all the little odds and ends that have been piling up over the year: a leaking faucet, squeaky door, touching up chipped paint. This list can go on and on!
You can also offer a free coupon for larger gifts such a finishing a major project: organizing the attic or closets, cleaning out the basement or garage.
Getting major things like this accomplished would mean much more than another tie, pair of socks or fruitcake!
Give Gifts That Give back:
If you do want to fill those stocking or put something under the tree, give gifts that give back.
-A programmable thermostat is a great gift. Once installed, it will start saving money on utility bills immediately. (see Amazon.com)
-Rechargeable batteries and charger are perfect since everything requires batteries these days. Never again worry that you won’t have extra batteries on hand.
-CFL light bulbs save a lot of money. A pack of bulbs makes a great gift and get someone on the “green” track.
-Reusable shopping bags are perfect. Since many stores offer discounts for bringing your own bags. It’s the perfect reason to go shopping!
-A water filter (attaches easily to your faucet) is great for not only having pure clean water, but saves tons on all those bottles of water. It saves money and the environment.
Hope you have a wonderful and safe holiday and a happy and healthy New Year!
An Easy Installation-
Installing a programmable thermostat is a fast an easy way to save money. It is not only eco-friendly, but extremely convenient to have a thermostat that automatically turns down when you are not at home, but has the house at a comfortable temperature upon your arrival. Digital thermostats are also a cost-effective option if you’re looking to simply replace an old mechanical thermostat. Also, see AMAZON.COM for a wide selection of thermostats for your home.
*A Common Misperception…..
Some consumers may be opposed to buying a programmable thermostat because it may seem intimidating to install and program. Many Lux thermostat models are pre-programmed, thus avoiding confusion and complications. See Amazon.com to purchase a programmable thermostat.
Water Heaters Like To Snuggle Too!
You can purchase a blanket designed to fit your water heater at most hardware or home-improvement stores. The blanket will insulate the unit, which makes it run more efficiently. This is an easy way to save on bills.
Be A Household Inspector-
Start at the top and work your way down. Make sure gutters are clear of leaves and debris. Talk a walk around your home and check for drafts and leaks. Since heat rises, make sure you attic is properly insulated. Also, you don’t have to spend tons installing new windows. Put weather stripping under doors and caulk leaky windows.
At Your Service-
Before switching your thermostat over to heat for the season, inspect your heating system. Servicing your heating/cooling system will make sure it’s running properly, thus leading to a more efficient unit. Clean the filters and ductwork on a regular basis. Dirty filters block airflow, which make the system work harder. That means higher energy bills and a shorter life for your system.
Live Smart-
EPA has an informative video to help consumers learn about programmable thermostats. Here is a link. Also, see AMAZON.COM for a wide selection of thermostats for your home.
Approximately 36 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies. This summer has been especially tough for allergy sufferers because of unseasonably high amounts of rain and humidity.
Although we can’t control Mother Nature, there is plenty you can do to make your home more comfortable by reducing allergens and irritants.
Why Is Indoor Air Quality So Important?
Allergies, asthma, eczema, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, sinusitis, bronchial problems are all medical conditions that have been linked to poor indoor air quality. Indoor air can be 5 times more polluted than the air outside. The EPA ranks indoor air quality as one of the top 5 environmental risks to public health.
Here are some steps to make the air your family breathes cleaner and healthier:
- Controlling the temperature in your home is a great way control allergens. If you have a programmable thermostat, set the temperature to 70 during the day and 65 during the night. Make sure to keep an eye on the humidity level also, no lower than 40 or 50.
- Change your filters and have your air ducts cleaned. Dust, pests, and mold can collect filters and ducts if they are not cleaned regularly.
- Vacuum rugs often and have your rugs cleaned. Be sure to check cleaning ingredients, as some cleaners have strong odors that can trigger allergies.
- I know pets are like members of the family, but if you’re suffering with allergies, try to keep the family cat or dog off furniture that can trap pet hair and dander. For example, any place where you rest your head, like a fabric sofa or on the bed, should be kept free of pet hair.
- Wash your bed sheets often. You can also purchase pillow and mattress covers that provide a special barrier for dust mites.
- Keep your bathroom clean. Mold grows in damp environments an is a major cause of severe allergies.
- Keep your refrigerator clean. Food that sits beyond its expiration date begins to grow mold. You don’t want that sitting near food you are going to eat.
- Donate or pack up and store old books. I hang on to those old books from college, thinking I may need to refer back to them one day. But old books left on shelves or lying around are huge collectors of dust, which increase allergens.
- Be sure to wash you hands often, as this is one of the fastest way to spread allergens.
- Install a Lux Clean Cycle thermostat, model # CAG1500. It is a fully programmable thermostat that not only gives the homeowner the advantage of automatic temperature control, but also has the added benefit of helping to keep the home’s air clean. What makes it all possible is the innovative Clean Cycle. This feature ensures the heating and air conditioning fan to run for a set duration of time each hour to circulate the air in the home. The Clean Cycle is programmable as well, allowing homeowners to program the fan to run anywhere between 9 and 60 minutes each hour. It also includes a filter monitor that indicates when the filter needs cleaning for optimum air quality and system performance. A programmable thermostat that improves the quality of your air and saves you money!
 Lux Product Clean Cycle thermostat CAG1500 Please see AMAZON.COM for a wide selection of thermostats for your home.
Traditionally, thermostats used in residences and businesses had contained mercury. As spring turns to summer and fall turns to winter, many people think about upgrading their heating/cooling system in preparation for winter or summer, including replacing old thermostats.
If your old thermostat contains a mercury switch, it is vital that it is disposed of properly. DO NOT THROW AN OLD MERCURY THERMOSTAT IN THE TRASH!
Each mercury thermostat has an average of 4 grams of mercury in it, which could pollute an 80-acre lake or 20 million gallons of water. Never throw mercury down the drain. It can leak out and enter the ground water which can be extremely toxic.
Go to www.earth911.com to find a drop-off or recycling center near you.
Is Your Mercury Thermostat Safe?
Yes, mercury-containing thermostats are safe. In normal use, the consumer is never exposed to the mercury, which is entirely contained in a glass bulb. Thermostats are specifically designed to protect and hold the mercury inside. The bulb is protected by a sturdy casing. Nevertheless, it is prudent to handle these thermostats with care.
I’d Like To Replace My Thermostat But I Like My Old Round Thermostat
Traditional round thermostats are available without mercury.
 Ecostat® Heat & Cool Thermostat For more information about the Lux products Ecostat please vist this link: http://www.luxproducts.com/thermostats/thc15.htm. Also, see AMAZON.COM for a wide selection of thermostats for your home.
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