Use decor to keep energy costs low

This year, it seems a certain groundhog who has been declared weather forecaster for a day has pulled a fast one on all of us, as it’s not likely we’re going to see temperatures warm up or our energy bills drop anytime soon. So, in the meantime, here are some tips on how to buckle down and deal without cranking up the thermostat.” It’s all about simplifying and making tasks no-brainers. For example, my kids usually don’t beg for their daily serving of carrots and broccoli. But if I set out a plate of ready-to-eat veggies with ranch dressing on the side, they eventually (usually) gobble them up. The same concept applies here. Take some steps out of the “keeping warm” equation and family members will less likely be drawn to the thermostat. Warm up your windows with the pull of a cord. Rather than sending the utility company all your money, use some on window treatments that will bring lasting comfort to your home—not only in the physical aspect but aesthetically—benefitting your home’s energy savings throughout all seasons. With simplicity as a current trend, think roman shades in naturally insulating fabrics like burlap woven linen, wool, silk, bamboo, and other woven woods. These beautiful materials not only will help keep warmth in during winter (and the heat out during the summer) but will add to the aesthetic warmth of your home. For the ultimate in window insulation, there are options such as Warm Window insulated shades (www.warmcompany.com) which can be custom made to match any interior look you’re aiming for, while increasing the R-value (the effectiveness of a material in preventing energy from flowing through it) from R-1.3 for a single-glaze window to R-7.69. If your family is going to be gone from the house at any time, keeping shades and curtains pulled to keep more warmth in is a smart task to consider before stepping out the door. Give them something to grab. If you haven’t already, break out blankets and toss them at the foot of each bed, over arms of couches, and in baskets so that when the chill sets in, warmth is an arm’s reach away. Think cable-knits, fleece and cashmere wool (hint: give your Pashmina shawl a new life as a throw blanket), depending on the type of room it’s going in. For bedding, an all-season winner is silk. Although pricey, you won’t regret your purchase. Able to retain body heat while still breathing and absorbing excess moisture, many consider it the perfect bedding material. Advantages, when compared to down comforters, include no bunching or clumping—making cold spots virtually impossible—and its natural ability to conform to your body. However, not all silk products are the same of course. For a silk comforter comparison guide, visit http://silkcomfort.com/604-where_to_buy_your_silk_comforter.html). Throw it down! Rugs, again in natural fibers including sisal, jute, bamboo, wool and seagrass, are an easy way to keep the cold away from those tootsies. Even in a room with wall-to-wall carpeting, like clothing layers, they will add more insulation, therefore more warmth, to your room. Right now is a great time to buy rugs as January and February are typically months when they go on sale. Check your circulars and chances are your favorite store will have marked down their prices to make way for spring and summer collections. Get a fire going. In addition to lighting a fire in your traditional fireplace or woodstove—which are both great money savers and add a warm ambiance to rooms, natural gas or electric fireplaces are also great choices, depending on your needs. They can save considerable amounts of energy, if you use them to heat smaller spaces, such as bedrooms and offices, rather than turning up thermostats to heat the entire house, which you may not be using at the time. Although natural gas is usually a winner in cost-effective heating resources, averaging about half the price as electricity, you can still save considerably with electric heat, granted you’re not heating a large open area. (Tip: a built-in thermostat will help you save even more.) Soften your seat. Consider warming up wood dining room and/or office chairs with seat cushions. Found at just about any department or home furnishings store, the warm comfort they add while your family eats or kids do homework, will keep everyone’s thoughts from turning up the thermostat. The key here is thinking how to get the most bang from your buck while keeping your family warm. Why not fork your money out on home décor and end up with something to show for it? Your family, and your wallet, will appreciate your efforts.