Brummet's Conscious Blog

Reducing Energy Costs  Today's increasing energy costs, shrinking budgets and stagnant wages are a growing concern. For those of us living in the more extreme climates that require extra heating in the winter months or relief from the blazing summer heat, there are tricks that increase comfort and lower the bills. Click to view: Part 1 of this 3-part series. Any window facing south is an asset during the winter. Make the most of the sun’s free energy and warm up your home by keeping the drapes and blinds fully open when the window receives direct sunlight, closing them when it doesn’t – especially in rooms you don’t use all that often. Washing both sides of the windows just before winter sets in ensures that film and dust do not impede the sun's rays. The opposite is true for summer – whenever a window is exposed to direct sun, it is helpful to close the blinds or curtains. We have used sheets of hot water tank insulation to seal off windows that receive direct sun in roo...