The Fixie Chick blog
Brenna Hartmann is the co-founder of Fixin'Chix Inc., a do-it-yourself enterprise that includes a comprehensive home improvement website; how-to workshops, seminars and publications; and a product line. Brenna is dedicated to empowering women "do-it herselfers" (DIHers) who have the passion and desire to improve their homes. Brenna writes the popular Fixie Chick home improvement column found in Home & Yard Handbook, and is the co-host of "Home & Yard Radio with the Fixie Chick" on 950 ESPN. Brenna lives in Webster with her husband and two children.
Green Your Weekend-Be Green $ave Green
Did you know?Heating water is the
second largest consumer of energy in the home, second only to heating the house itself!
Be Green - $ave Green and Green Your Weekend!
Insulate Hot Water Pipes for Energy Savings
Insulating your hot water pipes reduces heat loss and can raise water temperature 2 degreesF-4degreesF hotter than uninsulated pipes can deliver, allowing for a lower water temperature setting.
You can reduce your water heating costs by simply lowering the thermostat setting on your water heater.
For each 10degreeF reduction in water temperature, you can save between 3%-5% in energy costs.Although some manufacturers set water heater thermostats at 140degreesF, most households usually only require them set at 120degreesF.
>>You also won't have to wait as long for hot water when you turn on a faucet or showerhead, which helps conserve water.
Insulate all accessible hot water pipes, especially within 3 feet of the water heater. It's also a good idea to insulate the cold-water inlet pipes for the first 3 feet.
Foam Pipe sleeves foam are the most commonly used insulation. Match the pipe sleeve's inside diameter to the pipe's outside diameter for a snug fit. Place the pipe sleeve so the seam will be face down on the pipe. You can purchase foam pipe sleeves around $1.00 each.
I
nsulate Your Water Heater Tank for Energy Savings
Unless your water heater's storage tank already has a high R-value of insulation (at least R-24), adding insulation to it can reduce standby heat losses by 25%-45%. This will save you around 4%-9% in water heating costs.
If you don't know your water heater tank's R-value, touch it. A tank that's warm to the touch needs additional insulation.
Insulating your storage water heater tank is fairly simple and inexpensive, and it will pay for itself in about a year. You can find pre-cut jackets or blankets available from around $10-$20. Choose one with an insulating value of at least R-8.
Statistical Resource: US Department of Energy Efficiency and Renewable EnergyFor more tips on Greening Your Weekend, Tune into
Home&Yard Radio with the Fixie Chick, Saturday at 10am on 950 am
-The Fixie Chick
Green Your Weekend
Greener living is becoming a very important aspect of my life, and I am proud to bring you ideas, tips and trends on the topic. This month, "Green Your Weekend" with the Fixie Chick!
Each Friday, throughout the month of October, I'll be posting a "light-green" home improvement tip. One that can be easily and inexpensively accomplished is a weekend!
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, water heating accounts for 20% or more of an average household's annual energy expenditures. The yearly operating costs for conventional gas or electric storage tank water heaters average $200 or $450, respectively.
Visit this blog on Friday to read my fast and easy solutions for reducing your hot water heating energy bills. $Be Green - Save Green$
Thanks for reading,
The Fixie Chick
Green Your Weekend-Give Your Furnace Some TLC
Here's an easy way to "Green Your Weekend" without spending too much green!
Give your heating system a little TLC!
A well maintained furnace equals a more efficient furnace! Efficiency is always key to saving-no matter the topic. So, this weekend, spend a little one-on-one time with your furnace.
Here's how to spend that time:
Vacuum around the unit, including the ducts. Then wipe him down with a damp cloth. Change his filter-(if you are feeling really green, you may want to upgrade to a non-disposable furnace filter, which requires occasional cleaning with soap and water) If you opt for a disposable filter, note on your calendar when the replacement time will be.
Make sure the area around your furnace is free of clutter, clearing a space well around your unit is good fire safety practice and also makes it more accessible for your HVAC company.
Purchase some self-adhesive foil-foam insulation tape and wrap all of your duct seams and all areas that are exposed to heat loss. If you are blowing air under pressure into a duct system that leaks like a sieve, you are going to loose conditioned air into non-living spaces, which will dramatically reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system.
And, DON'T use DUCT TAPE! The rubberized adhesive will dry out over time. If possible, make sure the areas in which your ducts are run are insulated.
If you haven't already, upgrade to a programmable thermostat. This way your are only increasing(in winter)/decreasing (summer) the temperature during the times of day that it's necessary.
One of the easiest ways to improve efficiency is to schedule a regular maintenance plan that takes care of professional cleaning and inspection of your HVAC unit.
Tune into
Home&Yard Radio with the Fixie Chick Saturday at 10:00 on 950am to hear more information on HVAC efficiency and learn what a 15-point furnace clean and inspect is all about.
Check back to this blog on Monday for more ways to
Green Your Weekend with the
Fixie Chick.
-The Fixie Chick
Green Your Weekend
Hello herRochester blog readers! If you've been following the Fixie Chick blog you may have read that I have been expiriencing some medical issues these past few months. I am grateful to report that I have been feeling much better and am hopeful to return to blogging here twice a week.
I am particularly excited about the Fixie Chick October blog series, "Green Your Weekend". Greener living is becoming a very important aspect of my life, and I am proud to bring you ideas, tips and trends on the topic.
Each Friday, throughout the month of October, I'll be posting a "light-green" home improvement tip. One that can be easily and inexpensively accomplished is a weekend!
Coming up this Friday is "Green Your Furnace". I have a few ideas, on-the-cheap, that will help you save money and the environment this heating season.
Plus, you can tune into
Home&Yard Radio with the Fixie Chick each Saturday at 10am (950 ESPN), to hear more details on the "Green Your Weekend" idea of the week.
As always, I thank you for reading and welcome your comments on this blog. If there is a topic of interest you'd like to see me cover (or uncover:)), please let me know. You can also contact me at FixieChick@HomeAndYardHandbook.com!
-The Fixie Chick
Take The "Burn" out of Home Heating
According to the National Fire Protection Association, in 2005, heating equipment was involved in an estimated 62,200 reported home structure fires, 670 civilian deaths, 1,550 civilian injuries, and $909 million in direct property damage.
In 2005, most home heating fire deaths (73%), injuries (64%), and direct property damage (57%) involved stationary or portable space heaters.
Chimneys and chimney connectors accounted for the largest share of home heating fires (36%).
Although we have had several balmy days this past week, the heating season is right around the corner. This morning alone I saw two
"breaking news" reports regarding fires in our community. Please take a moment to read these important safety topics and be a step ahead to protecting yourself from a house fire.
Gas or electric furnaces that have not been used for several months will most likely have a build-up of dust and dirt on heating elements. This can cause a burning smell and even a light haze of white smoke when first operated for the season. This smell and haze are not harmful, and will take only several uses before all the dust and dirt on the heating unit are burnt away. To be safe, try to run the furnace on a warm day while opening all windows so the smell can escape. If the smoke turns black and the furnace starts to rumble leave the building immediately and call the fire department by dialing 911.
Before using the fireplace for the first time in a season, make sure the flue is open. The flue is a trap door that keeps heat out in the summer and cool air from coming in when the fireplace is not in use. You can check it by looking up the chimney to see if you are able to see daylight. If there are any obstructions, remove them. If not removed, these obstructions will cause carbon monoxide to back up into your home. Carbon monoxide is a deadly, odorless and invisible gas. Artificial logs made from wax and sawdust should be used one at a time. Pressure-treated wood should not be burned in stoves or fireplaces because it contains toxic chemicals that can make you sick. Never leave a fireplace unattended. Chimneys and vents should be inspected and cleaned annually. Have chimneys inspected and cleaned when necessary by a professional chimney sweep. Creosote is an unavoidable product of wood-burning stoves and fireplaces. Creosote builds up in connectors and chimney flues and can cause a chimney fire. Don't burn newspapers or other trash in a fireplace because they burn too hot and can ignite a chimney fire.
Coal and Wood Burning Stoves Use coal only if specifically approved by the stove manufacturer. Gasoline or other flammable liquids should never be used to start a wood fire since it might explode or flare up. Never use gasoline in kerosene heaters. Gasoline or other flammable liquids should never be used to start a wood fire since it might explode or flare up. The directions on artificial logs made from wax and sawdust say they should be used one at a time in fireplaces and never used in wood stoves. This is because the heat can melt the log causing it to flare up or leak burning liquid from the appliance. Pressure-treated wood should not be burned in stoves or fireplaces because it contains toxic chemicals that can make you sick.
Safety Tips:
>Space heaters need space. Portable space heaters need a three-foot (one meter) clearance from anything that can burn and should always be turned off when leaving the room or going to sleep.
>When buying a new unit, make sure it carries the mark of an independent testing lab. Be sure that a qualified technician installs the unit or checks that the unit has been installed properly.
>Wood and coal stoves, fireplaces, chimneys, chimney connectors, and all other solid-fueled heating equipment need to be inspected annually by a professional and cleaned as often as the inspections indicate.
>Portable kerosene heaters must be fueled only in a well-ventilated area, free of flame and other heat sources, and only when the device has cooled completely. Use only the type of kerosene specified by the manufacturer for that device, and never use gasoline instead of kerosene. Also, be sure that portable kerosene heaters are legal for home use in your state.
When turning a heating device on or off, be careful to follow the manufacturer's instructions. When buying heaters, look for devices with automatic shutoff features.
>Be sure any gas-fueled heating device is installed with proper attention to ventilation, and never put unvented gas space heaters in bedrooms or bathrooms. Also, LP (liquefied petroleum) gas heaters with self-contained fuel supplies are prohibited for home use by
NFPA codes.
Tomorrow on Home&Yard Radio with the Fixie Chick, 950am at 10:00am, we'll be discussing alternative home heating options and renewable fuel types. You can now listen on line!
www.HomeAndYardRadio.comThanks for reading.
-The Fixie Chick
Got Firewood?-Firewood May Be Scare This Year
Got Firewood?
Increasing energy costs means an increase in demand for firewood as a renewable home heating fuel.
You may not know, but this increases the risk of spreading forest pests. These pests can kill thee trees in nearby forests and in your yard! Because of deadly pest infestations across the northeast, The NYSDEC, Division of Lands & Forests has issued a 50 mile restriction on the transport of firewood. Additionally, the movement of firewood INTO New York State is prohibited, unless it is treated and labeled according to NYS guidelines.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU:
If you heat with firewood, you can expect pay higher prices as supplies decrease and demand increases.
Here are some good tips from a local firewood provider:
-Whatever wood species you use, it will burn more efficiently and be more convenient to use if it is properly seasoned.
-Firewood should be processed in early spring to be ready for burning that fall.
-Piece length should be at least 3" shorter than the firebox.
-Never leave firewood in a pile on the ground for more than a couple of days. Wet wood on the ground quickly attracts bugs and mold.
-Wood should be stacked in an open area exposed to sun and wind.
-Green wood will not season properly in a wood shed or in deep shade.
-Stack wood on rails to keep it off the ground.
-Cover just the tops of firewood stacks.
-The ideal storage is close to, but not inside, the house.
-Avoid storing large amounts of wood in the house because mold spores and moisture can affect indoor air quality.
-Bring in wood to warm up before burning.
-Clean your chimney once a week by adding 2 TBS of salt to a burning fire.
Tune into 950 am Saturday morning at 10am for Home&Yard Radio with the Fixie Chick! This week, we'll be talking about home heating fuel supplies and demand here in Rochester. We'll also be telling our listeners how to build foolproof wood fires!
Thanks for reading & listening too,
-The Fixie Chick
Final Installment for September FC blog series: Back To School?
As September quickly comes to an end, hopefully we have all adjusted to our "fall" schedules and are thinking about getting our homes prepared for the unavoidable cold front ahead. The October Fixie Chick blog series will touch on a variety of simple measures we call all take to conserve energy, make our homes more comfortable and save money in these economically difficult times. Look for posts like: Greening Your Furnace, Girls Guide To Insulation and more.
For my last post this September, I wanted to share another opportunity for individuals interested in working in the home improvement arena.
Check out the ACE Mentor Program.
The ACE (Architecture, Construction, Engineering) Mentor Program is a U.S. non-profit corporation whose mission is to attract high school students into one of the three disciplines through the use of hands on mentoring teams.
The program relies on mentors, professionals from leading design and construction firms, who devote off-duty hours and personal energy to expose students to a broad range of people, projects and career opportunities in the construction industry. The program was founded in 1995 as a way of attracting students, particularly minorities, women and the under-privileged, into the engineering and related professions. You can get more information for yourself or someone you think might be interested on the ACE website: www.acementor.org.
Please remember to tune in to The Home&Yard Radio Show with The Fixie Chick tomorrow (Saturday) morning at 10am on 950 am. This weeks show topics include: Saving $ on costly window replacement, how to spot a home improvement scam, e-cycling-the e-asy way! Plus great tips on preparing your lawn for a long winters nap!
As always,
Thanks for reading AND listening too!
-The Fixie Chick
