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Just like your car and every other hardworking machine that you rely on, a furnace has parts that are going to wear out. It’s just the nature of machinery. And, much like being left on the side of the road for a major problem that could have been avoided with a minor repair, you want to make sure that these wear-and-tear parts won’t leave you cold this winter.

A programmable thermostat can save you approximately 10% of your energy costs per year by automatically adjusting your home’s temperature when you are home, asleep, or at work. After the initial installation, you’ll spend just a few minutes twice a year changing the temperature settings. For an average savings of about $200, that’s a pretty good payoff.

Anyone who uses chemicals on clogs, from toilet to sink to shower, should know the effects the chemicals have on pipes and the environment, as well as the dangers they pose to you and your family.

Fido, Whiskers, and Tweety are your three favorite companions, but you worry about the effect that they may have on your indoor air quality; how can an animal lover have the pets they adore and cleaner indoor air? By cleaning the air, cleaning the house, and giving your pet his own space, you can lessen the impact that your furry and feathered friends have on the way you breathe.

Now that the holidays and all their accompanying expenses are gone, many of us have made resolutions to save money and be greener in the new year—and being more energy efficient at home, without spending much money, is a great way to start. There are so many quick and simple things you can do that are free or low-cost. As a bonus, you’ll be reducing your carbon footprint.

Good news: your holiday spending is done; bad news: your New Year’s Eve party is coming up…so how can you plan a party that is both inexpensive and eco-friendly? Remember, your guests are coming to have a great evening, not to be impressed by how much money you spend.

When a plumbing emergency strikes, everyone--from a novice to the most experienced do-it-yourselfer--should call a professional…But what do you do while you’re waiting for the doorbell to ring? There are steps you should take to minimize the damage that can occur before the plumber arrives, and several tools you should have on hand to help.

If you’re still looking for gifts to show others that you care, choose a gift to keep them warm or improve the quality of the air they breathe and you won’t need to hand over a gift receipt.
As usual, the next three months will be filled with freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and chilly toes. If you have someone on your list that loves to stay warm but hates to pay high heating bills, there are several great gift options.

If you are one of those wise people who know that sometimes you need to spend a little money to save a lot, consider changing your holiday lights from incandescent to LED to save electricity and money while eliminating a potential fire hazard. LED stands for light-emitting diodes, meaning that there is no filament in the bulb to burn out as in incandescent bulbs. These bulbs will burn for thousands hours longer than an incandescent. They are far more durable; the bulbs themselves are solid and so are far less likely to break. The wires that connect the strand of lights are significantly thicker than incandescent wires and therefore more difficult to tangle, keeping at least one of the frustrations of the holidays at a minimum.

Cold weather has arrived, and with it comes your furnace’s busiest time of year. To avoid frigid nights, be aware of signs your furnace may be failing. If you ignore the signs, you could be in for a cold, expensive surprise this winter.