HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2009-10-15, Page 19(NC)—Now that fall is here there'snothing better than curling up to a
nice, warm fire. A fireplace will help
keep you keep cozy, but it should
also be safe and energy efficient.
If you're looking to add a new
fireplace to your home or upgrade an
existing one this season, make sure
you know all the options available.
WOOD-BURNING
Wood-burning fireplaces are great
for those who love the majesty of an
open fire, the smell of burning wood,
and the sound of crackling logs.
However, you may not know that
older wood-burning fireplaces are
not very energy efficient and can
actually pollute the environment.
The good news is that there are
newer, safer, and more advanced
wood-burning fireplaces available.
Look for models that are certified
by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), as they
emit 90 per cent less smoke than
traditional wood-burning fireplaces
and distribute heat better in your
home. (The standards set by the U.S.
E.P.A. are also applicable in
Canada.)
ELECTRIC
Electric fireplaces are the perfect
way to set the mood, and
temperature, at the flick of a switch.
They are safe, convenient, low-
maintenance, and cost little to
install. Although electric fireplaces
probably won't add to the value of
your home like other types might,they are great for small spaces and
don't require a chimney or outdoor
venting.
Most models also come with the
option of having the decorative fire
turned on while the heating element
is off, a great feature if all you're
looking for is a little ambiance.
GAS
Gas fireplaces are popular options
because they are clean burning,
efficient, and don't even require a
chimney. Although they may not
offer the same flame sensation as
real wood-burning fireplaces, gas is
more energy efficient and you won't
need to worry about cleaning upwoodchips or ashes.
They also distribute heat better
and provide a constant supply of
fuel, even if the power fails. Look
for models that have an Annual Fuel
Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)
rating; the higher the rating, the
higher the efficiency.
Because the fireplace has become
such a coveted amenity, homes that
contain this accent often have better
resale value than homes that are
without. In fact, more than three
quarters of prospective homebuyers
look for a fireplace when it comes
time to invest in a new home.
THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2009. PAGE 19. Hot options for fireplaces
(NC)—Did you know that the
average household does up to 400
loads of laundry each year,
consuming about 51,100 litres of
water? Your washer and dryer can
typically use more than 1,000
kilowatts of electricity each year.
The laundry room is a great place
to start to save energy and cut water
usage. Add these eight great clean
and green tips to your laundry list:
1. Shopping for a new washer or
dryer? Look for a water-efficient
front load washing machine – front
loading clothes washers use about
40 per cent less water per load and
50 per cent less energy than top
loading models.
2. When possible, load the
washing machine to capacity (be
sure to check your machine's load
capacity). It could save the average
family thousands of litres of water
per month and lots of energy.
3. Use a super concentrated
laundry detergent which includes
plant based ingredients, works well
in cold water, is biodegradable and
suitable for standard and high
efficiency machines.
4. Dry similar types of clothes
together to save time and energy.
For example, lightweight synthetics
will dry quickly and shorten cycle
times.
5. Use the timer programme or the
moisture sensor (if it has one) on
your machine so you don't overdry
clothes.
6. Ensure your dryer is working
efficiently by cleaning the lint trap
after every use and periodically
cleaning the dryer exhaust duct and
the vent to the outside.
7. When you can, hang washing
outside to dry in the sunshine,
which can also help sanitize clothes.
8.Where you can, wear clothes
more than once. It's a win–win: do
less laundry and save water and
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Tips for green
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