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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Brussels Post, 1978-04-26, Page 19SHADE TREES CAN BE most efficient climate controllers. For best effect, the American Association 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 have such cooling effect, they also help save money for air conditioning in hotmonths. A Big Selection Of Quality KITCHEN CABINETS is what you get al. . rPir —i1111'11111..0X11:14))010, NNE DIENNIMA , incla if4 . 114 SEA-FORTH: KITCHEN. CENTRE Main Street South Seatorth, SAFETY with precast concrete steps it II MI Mr. Unit Step can provide you with entrance a safer ▪ Non Slip Safety Treads • Expertly replaced in hours not days ▪ Steel re-Enforced precast Concrete provides longer life • Maintenance free. No painting required • Many sizes of steps and porches Quality Ornimental iron railings to compliment your entrance Call Mr. Unit Step for your free estimate MEE rg, <F0.111E1r1[3 Seoforth 527-1320 Yoyr Predast Sp' eci6lists UNIT STEP Let keep 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 discomforts 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 fossil fuels, the American 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 opened their windows on hot 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 located where. they rained shade on the house to keep it cool and comfortable during the summer. In effect, they created their own "miniclimate" 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, fuel-consUming air conditioners and sophisticat- ed heating units. Even in modern houses honieowners 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 controllers. In the summer, their big leafy umbrellas provide a cooling shade in or around a house. They also give, off cooling vapor through 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 day homeowner create his own energy-saving "miniclimate." You don't have to be rich to rededorate your home. Many have found that living on a tight budget doesn'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. This method helps everyone dispose of un-: wanted items and reduce clutter around their homes —and you may each find exactly what you need to spruce up your homes for free! • Renew, rather than redo, household basics. 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 spending 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. • Take advantage of ac- cessories to brighten up rooms. Throw pillows are always good 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 chairs" art—every few months rearrange paint- ings and other wall hang- ings or move them from room to room. You'll be pleasantly surprised with the results. • Grow lots of plants. They look great in every room; many are inexpen- sive, easy to care for—and never go out of style. 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. You don't have to be rich to decorate