Tips for Saving Energy in Cooler Weather

Who couldn't use a little extra cash on hand around the holiday season? Prepare your home now to cut down on energy costs as the weather gets cooler with these easy DIY projects.

For most of us, our water heater can be found in the garage - a place not well insulated against winters cold.

Help your water heater work less and save money on wasted heat with a few insulation tools.

Insulating your water heater could reduce heat loss by 25%-45% and save you about 7%-16% in water heating costs, according to the Department of Energy.

Insulate your tank with a pre-cut jacket designed specifically for water heaters.  If you have a newer tank that is labeled to already have R-16 insulation installed internally, then additional insulation is not needed.

Frozen garden hoses can actually bust interior pipes by increasing the pressure in the pipes.  As part of your winter home maintenance, disconnect and drain your garden hoses. Use an indoor valve to shut off and drain pipes leading to outside faucets.

Take these few steps now
to help your home and wallet have a better winter season!

Create Cozy at Home

Even if the temperatures are still a little on the warm side - Fall is officially here and it's time to enjoy the cozy warmth of the season!

Here are a few ways you can make your home a little more cozy -- without breaking the bank!

1.  Bring out the blankets! Lay blankets on chairs, the ottoman or even on the porch!

2.  Use candles to create a warming atmosphere.  Whether real or battery - the lights and scents of candles make the early dark evenings a little brighter.

3.  Utilize sting or holiday lights to brighten up a mantle or fireplace.  Clear lights will work all season long.

4.  Incorporate a variety of textures in your throw pillows -- knit, shaggy, smooth and velvet.

5.  Make your own fall scents by simmering a pot of orange peels, cinnamon sticks, vanilla and apple slices.

Don't forget how the perfect bowl of soup and crusty bread can really warm you up from the inside out!

How do you make your home feel like Fall?

Fall Lawn Care

Fall is an important season in the life of your yard.  This is the time to undertake several projects that will ensure a healthy and vibrant landscape in the spring and summer.

• Now is an important time to fertilize your yard. It will shorten the brown, dormant season and help repair any damage done over the summer months.
• Continue to mow until the grass has finished growing for the season.
• Fall is a good time to overseed - helping cover any bare patches when the grass begins to grow again.
• Dethatch or aerate your lawn to remove the layer of dead leaves or roots that may cover the healthy grass seedlings.
• Continue to water your lawn especially if rains have been scare. A well watered lawn will do better during the harsh winter months.

If you're looking to plant some trees or shrubs - Fall is a great time!  Newly planted trees and shrubs will continue to grow in the warm soil, even after air temperatures have begun to cool. Make sure to thoroughly water the new plants.

Fall is also the time to plant spring season flowering bulbs such as tulips, daffodils and crocus.

Some work and preparation now will lead to a beautiful yard come Spring!

Make a List of Fall Fun

There's something about Fall that captures our imagination. The cooler weather, the changing leaves, the smell of fireplaces...it's a time we all seem to love!

Here are a few ideas for creating your Fall bucket list to make sure you get everything out of the season that you can!

1.  Visit an apple orchard or pumpkin patch - search online to find one near you

2.  Go leaf peeping - take a quick weekend trip to the mountains for the best views

3.  Make your own apple cider - enjoy the aromas of cinnamon and apple as it simmers on the stovetop

4.  Host a football party with friends

5.  Decorate your home and porch with fall decor - leaves, pumpkins and scarecrows!

6.  Drink a pumpkin pie flavored beverage - coffee hot or cold

7.  Bake an apple treat and share it with your neighbors

8.  Go to a Fall Festival or Trunk or Treat

9.  Make a list of everything you're thankful for

10.  Rake a pile of leaves and jump in!