This was an interesting blog entry about an article by Consumer Reports: http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/09/27/20-free-ways-to-save-energy/ This article is actually about another article in Consumer reports but I find this Blog about energy Efficiency and the finances of it to be very intreguing. – Jason
I mostly write on saving heat through conservation and good practice. This blog speaks more on a wholistic approach to save energy. Here is a great article on ditching energy-wasting light bulbs. http://www.typepad.com/t/trackback/16589850
Q: – Jason, I live in Texas and it is HOT HOT HOT here over the summer. I bought a Chimney Balloon to fill my damper-less fireplace chimney, but what else can I do. – GW
A: GW – I did some blog searching to find a specialist in the area of saving energy in Texas. I live up north so i thought a southerner would give you better input. Here is a posting to a blog entry that gives some great tips on energy savings in Texas. http://texashomecentral.wordpress.com/2007/04/20/lower-your-summer-utility-bills/ They are short concise tips that are useful anywhere. Follow the link above but here is a snippet from their article:
“How do I lower energy bills in the Summer? a) If you don’t want to block your view, think about applying window film to the glass. Like auto window tint, these applied films will reduce radiant heat while allowing you to see through them b) Replace air conditioner filters regularly to ease the air flow. Dirty filters make the unit work harder to force the air through the filter. On this same note, unless you suffer from severe allergies, use the cheaper 30-day air filters. They do the job while making it easier for the air to flow and cost a heck of a lot less c) Air dry dishes instead of using the dishwasher’s drying cycle (good excuse to put-off putting away the dishes)”
There are two types of Chimella. The green one for the standard and purple one which is large. The difference between the two is the handle of the large Chimella is detached while the handle of the standard Chimella is already attached. Don’t forget to read the instruction booklet inside the firebox. Take the Chimella, out of it and push together to make sure that the button is fully pushed up. Try it! Push the button again to close your Chimella and turn it around like a handle bottle grip. Push together firmly and it’s ready to go.
BobVilla.com wrote a fantastic article including Chimney Balloons and other energy saving measures that really add up to make a difference in home energy costs.
“The chimney can be the number one source of heat loss in a house. Use a Chimney Balloon to prevent drafts from flowing through your chimney and prevents heat from escaping. Cost: $55 per fireplace” Read the rest of the article here…
BTW, Notice that Bob (in the picture to the left) is holding one of our favorite chimney tools…a folding carpenters ruler! Way to go Bob!