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Home My WebLink AboutThe Huron Expositor, 1978-04-27, Page 39Let trees key p you cool Homeowners who want to save money on their utility bills can take a few. tips from •their grandparents, Before technology deliv- ered us from the discomforls of our climate, people used natural methods for. cooling their houses in the summer and conserving the heat they had in the cold months., The natural ways are still avail- able to us and they are •sur- prisingly inexpensive and easy to do. With energy, in..short sup- . ply, and rising in.. cost, everyone has to be concerned with conservation. Until• government and in- dustry come up with a solu- tion to the problem of scarce -fcissil -fuels, the ---Atiferican Association. of Nurserymen points out three smart things homeowners can do to use their energy supplies wisely around the house: First,' make-the heating and cooling systems work more efficiently and use them conservatively. Second, use other energy,,sources such as sun and wind. Third, take steps to reduce energy needs in the home by controlling 'the effects of' cli- mate on the house itself. Trees • and other plantings can help'do all these things, These_ are the methods our grandparents used. They- pened--their-windjws-oOtat—tig days and..let cool breezes •run through the,. ,house. These breezes were nicely chan- neled by thick hedges planted 'in the right places outside. The big leafy shade trees were ideated , where .they rained shade on the house to . keep it cool -and comfortable SHADE TREES CAN -BE most efficient climate controllers. For best effect, the American As'sociation 'of Nurserymen says they- should be placed on the east and south sides of a build- ing. In summer their leafy canopies provide cooling shade; in winter they drop their leaves to , let the sun's warmth shine through. Because they hive such cooling effect, they also help save money for air conditioning in hoorionths. ed heating units, Even in modern houses- homeowners can create their own energy-saving minicli- mate which will not only help save money •and energy, but which enhances the value of the property. Proper landscaping with, trees, bushes, shrubs, ever- greens and other plantings requires just good common sense and a little professional -advice from a local garden center or nurseryman. Shade trees, for example, are among nature's most ef- ficient climate' eoritto,Uers. In ,the summer, their big leafy . umbrellasr provide a cooling shade in or around a house. They also give off cooling vapor 0-tough-transpiration.- -- In winter, they drop their leaves and allow the warming effects of the sun to come through. Smart planting and en- ergy-saving measures can help every modern (ley homeowner create his own energy-saving' "miniclimate," You don't have to be rich to decorate 'They look great in every room; many are inexpen- -sivej, easy-to-care4er—and= • never go out of •style. during the summer. In effect, they created their. own "minicliinate" in and around their houses. Re-• gardless of the weather out- side, those old houses man- aged to remain comfortable • all year around without ex= pensive, fuet:consuming air conditioners and sophisticat- ¤ Take advantage oftiv, cessories to -brighten up rooms. Throw pillows -are alwaysgood for accenting a, couch—try several in a variety of hues if you wish to introduce new color to your living room, Some Small curios and knick-knacks can add in- terest • and provide new focal points • Practice "musical theirs" art—every few months rearrange paint- ings and other wall hang- ings or moye them from room to room. You'll -be pleasantly surprised with the results.. - • Grow lots of plants. exactly what you need to spruce up your homes for free! • Renew, rather than redo, househoicrbasics. So, if draperies and slipcovers are looking drab, treat-, -- • them to' a thorough clean- ing to restore their• bright- ness. A. good rule of thumb is to restore before spendihg more. For instance, before investing in a costly paint job because walls have got- ten streaked and dirty, give them a dose of "elbow grease." Wash walls with. Industrial- strength cleaner and water to get them looking almost like new again, and use the money saved on paint to buy things you can't do or make yourself. Floors can get sunburned too So you think that-only people get sun-burned? So can.your curtains, your upholstery, your furniture,' and even your floor! But here's an easy and attractive way to add pro- - • ,tection from the sun's de- structive ultraviolet rays — hang decorative shades at the windows. It naturally' follows that they will also 'help cut- heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. .0 A Big Selection Of `Quality KITCHEN CABINETS SAFETY with precast 'concrete steps MI This' method helps everyone dispose of un- wanted items and reduce clutter around their homes. . —and you may each find You don't have to be rich to redecorate your home. Many have found that living on a ht-budget^cloesn't neces- sarily mean doing without. There are ways to refur- bish economically. Here are just a few: Organize a com- munity trading coopera- tive. Set 'the place, date and time and ask your neighbors to bring furni- ture and household acces- • sories- they no 'longer use, need or want, Then trade with each other to get new items for your homes. 's what you get at. • 0 • 11 1 1 11 1 1 1 ih‘z„ ill; Mr -,i11017r1 tilf ICI,07b,:kindgamitormilutiVahli - - iui /41),Lit ,malsim Annti4! pk:1 „.•_--;44 Mr.. Unit Step can provide you with a safer entrance. • Noh Stip Safety Treads • Expertly replaced in hours not days ,! I Steel re-inforced Precast concrete provides longer life • Maintenance free. No painting required • Many sizes of steps and porches Quality Ornamental Oa railings to compliment your entrance Call Mr. Unit Step for your free estimate • SEAFORTH KITCHEN • CENTRE Main Street South Seaforth Seafprth 527-1320 YERE EIRO Gib tJlU1 i >11 Cti(gel`TED i sorgA arro, Your Precast Specialista