Natural Mindset - 10 Holiday Tips

Don’t Get Burned This Heating Season
November 14th, 2007
Staff Writer

Well, it’s that time of year again. It seems like just yesterday that we breathed a sigh of
relief as we saw our electric bills taper off as temperatures moderated. But on the
horizon (or precipice as the case may be) are the bitter winds of seasonal change. Winter
is coming, and with it higher energy bills once again. Moreover, energy consumption
and the ecological havoc that ensues.

What is one to do? I suggest that we take a look at the answers (or at least a couple of
them), to that question. What we do over the next few weeks can have a profound impact
upon both the environment and our pocketbook. As you already know, I am on a
journey toward a more natural mindset. This involves prudence in a variety of areas.
Not the least of which is heating our home. A U.S department of Energy report suggests
that energy prices could rise as much as 21% this winter. In addition, with the
accompanying rise in our collective blood pressure at the sight of our heating bills, the
personal and financial costs could be staggering. With that said, let’s take a look at some
solutions.

Every year we hear the usual blah, blah, blah suggesting a major overhaul in our
approach to an energy efficient winter. I am not going to reiterate that here (though I
suggest you take a serious look at it). If you were going to do that, you already would
have, right? Remember, this site is about small but meaningful changes over time. As we
discussed in a previous submission (look here), that type of change is more sustainable
and helps us to move forward along our environmental journey (or any other journey
we choose to take). So, I will just cut to the chase. The following are 3 simple tips for a
more eco-friendly, cost-effective winter. Oh and by the way. These will improve your
cooling bills in the summer as well!

Get a professional cleaning, inspection and tune-up of your heat and air system TODAY!
You will save both energy and money over time (including a possible premature
replacement of your system).
Open those blinds and curtains during the day! If the sun is hitting your window, get
free energy!
Close your fireplace damper when not in use. An open damper is like an open window.
Get the point!