Cost Saving Tips

• The $50 Home Improvement That Could Save Your Family's Life!
• Are You Spending An Extra 7% On Your Energy Bill?
• Use Your Ceiling Fan To Cut Heating Costs!

The $50 Home Improvement That Could Save Your Family's Life!

Did you know that carbon monoxide (CO) is the most commonly encountered poison in our environment? It is responsible for more deaths than any other single poison. Each year, thousands die from carbon monoxide poisoning and nearly 10,000 seek medical attention to treat exposure.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless toxic gas produced during incomplete combustion of fuel - natural gas, oil, coal, wood, kerosene, etc. Carbon monoxide can escape from any fuel-burning appliance, furnace, water heater, fireplace, woodstove, or space heater. Now that we're in the cooler months, the risk of carbon monoxide exposure is at its greatest.

The best protection you can take against this silent killer is to install a carbon monoxide detector. A carbon monoxide detector will warn you when levels of this gas are above acceptable limits. It is inexpensive insurance for you and your loved ones!

Installing a carbon monoxide detector is easy and can be done in just 20 minutes. To install a detector in your home, just follow this simple step-by-step guideOe

Tools needed: Screwdriver, drill, 3/16 drill bit, ladder.

Step 1: Before you install your detector, check to make sure you are installing the unit in the correct location. Most manufacturers recommend that you have at least one unit near your family's sleeping area and, for multi-level homes, one on each level. Check the instructions and manufacturers recommendations for optimum locations as different brands may work differently.

Step 2: Once you establish the location you'll be installing your detector, open the hinged cover or remove the base plate on the back of your carbon monoxide unit to expose the screw holes.

Step 3: The screw anchors will need pilot holes. Do not try to hammer them into your wall, as this will damage the plastic anchors. Using your drill and 3/16 drill bit, drill the pilots holes and insert the plastic anchors. Now, tighten the base plate screws within 1/8 inch (you'll want to leave the screws partly exposed so you can slip the base cover over them).

Step 4: Slip the base plate or back of the detector onto the screws. If this is a battery-operated detector, don't forget to install the battery and test it. It's a good idea to add a date label when you install your new detector - this will help you know how old it is.

Step 5: After your detector is installed, it will normally require a week or two to become "acclimated" to the environment. You should, however, test your detector on a weekly basis to be on the safe side. Consult the directions that come with your detector for testing instructions.

You can purchase a carbon monoxide detector at any home improvement store. Be advised there are many different brands to choose from. Some detectors even plug right into a standard electrical socket. Take some time to check out your options so you can choose the detector(s) that will best suit your home.

Are You Spending An Extra 7% On Your Energy Bill?

Did you know that some appliances and electronics use electricity even after they've been turned off?

Cable boxes that communicate with satellites, cell phone battery chargers, clocks in VCR's, computers, coffeepot timers, and other home appliances use 7% of your home's electricity.

If you don't need to use a household appliance, pull the plug and save some energy and money!

Use Your Ceiling Fan To Cut Heating Costs!

Most folks only use their ceiling fans to cool their homes in the summer. You can, however, use your ceiling fans to help heat your home!

Simply set your ceiling fan on a clockwise setting at a low speed.

The fan will push the warm air from the ceiling and circulate it through your room. The added circulation the ceiling fan provides will allow you to use less heat, thus reducing your heating costs.