ST. LOUIS (AP) A body found during a search in a remote area of eastern Missouri was positively identified as that of a St. Louis County woman who disappeared this month, authorities said Wednesday.

Jennifer Rothwell's body was found Monday night about 45 miles northwest of her home, St. Louis County police said. Rothwell's husband, Beau Rothwell, 28, is jailed without bond on charges of second-degree murder and evidence tampering.

Police said he provided information that helped lead them to the area near Troy, Missouri, where the body was found. Police have not disclosed the specific location.

Authorities had been searching since last week for Jennifer Rothwell, a chemical engineer, though she was presumed dead.

Beau Rothwell was spotted Nov. 11 on video purchasing cleaning products, including bleach, carpet cleaner and gloves, according to a police probable cause statement. His wife was reported missing Nov. 12, and her car was found abandoned less than 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) from their home later that day.

Beau Rothwell was arrested Nov. 13 after a search of the couple's home, the same day police announced the case was being investigated as a homicide. Detectives who searched the home found a wet carpet soaked with bleach and large areas of blood, some of which got into the underlying carpet pad, the probable cause statement said.

Police have not disclosed a potential motive. Beau Rothwell's attorney has declined comment.

Beau and Jennifer Rothwell received chemical engineering degrees from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2013. They married in 2015 in St. Louis County.

KMOV-TV reported that Jennifer Rothwell's mother, Robin von Hausen, said her daughter had just moved to western St. Louis County with her husband and worked at DuPont.

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Body found in eastern Missouri was that of missing woman - KY3

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Its now what we believe is scientifically referred to as really bloody cold.

Thus you may have gone out to your car this morning and spotted a load of ice and frost clogging up your windows.

You could try the sandwich bag hack or go at it with a special scraper, but if youre looking for another quick and easy way to clear ice from your windows, youre in luck.

A woman has shared a genius trick to clear car windows, using an old bottle of carpet stain remover.

You see, certain carpet stain removers have bottles with a special brush attachment to help you massage the cleaning product into fabric.

It turns out that brush attachment also works as a gentle ice scraper.

Angela Hickling shared her wisdom on Facebook, explaining that she filled an emptied out Dr Beckmann carpet cleaner bottle with warm water, then dragged the brush over her cars windows.

The warm water comes out through the brush and is spread evenly, quickly melting and wiping away ice. Smart, right?

Just make sure you usewarm water rather than boiling water straight out of the kettle, otherwise youre risking the glass cracking.

Obviously, this hack requires that you happen to have a carpet stain remover bottle with a brush attachment just lying around, otherwise youll need to shell out 2.80 for a bottle only to immediately empty it out.

FYI, you can just buy an actual ice scraper for the same price or cheaper. Or just spray your windows with warm water then use a cloth to wipe away.

Despite all those caveats, the trick has still been hailed online, with Angelas post being shared more than 17,000 times.

Do try it out yourself, or give the sandwich bag hack a go. Or, if you want all the imaginary bonus points, get in touch with us by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk to share your own cold weather hacks.

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Woman clears ice from car windows with an old carpet stain remover bottle - Metro.co.uk

Full disclosure time. Im going to take personal ownership of this article because as a college lad, I spent six years working for a small used car dealership where I specialized in vehicle reconditioning. I need to emphasize used car dealership here, and it wasnt one of those places that bought off-lease turn-ins that only needed a wash and tire shine. Among other things, we specialized in used work vans and those drivers loved to smoke. As such, I have so much sympathy for this brave soul right now, and admittedly, a bit of PTSD from cigarette-bombed reconditioning projects in my own portfolio that were every bit as nasty as what you see here.

This clip comes from Autoshine Cars on YouTube, and as you can clearly see, this poor Peugeot 207 has seen much better days. Outside it doesnt look too bad, but opening the driver door is a straight-up Whoa Nelly moment. Cigarette ash covers everything, in every nook and places you cant even see. Old food, broken glass, and spilled soda makes it worse, but the really bad stuff is what the camera doesnt show nicotine. Youll find sticky brown nicotine residue everywhere, especially in the headliner and seat belts, and theres no easy way to remove it. Forget all the public service announcements about the dangers of smoking making a struggling smoker thoroughly clean such a nasty, ash-strewn mess could be the absolute best way to kick the habit for good.

18 Photos

When it comes to reconditioning such a machine, there are many ways to get the job done. In this instance, using the air gun to dislodge crud from the carpet and all the surfaces prior to scrubbing is outstanding, and its a great way to get the carpet clean without soaking the padding underneath. Steam cleaning the headliner is also an absolute necessity here, and when it comes to removing all that nicotine residue, the only way to do it is to literally scrub every square inch of the interior. Its disgusting and utterly exhausting, and as grossed-out as this video might make you, it still pales in comparison to actually being in that hatchback.

Personally, I wouldve pulled the center console, seat belts, and carpeting along with the seats. Time constraints may not have allowed such a comprehensive project, but Id wager a bazillion dollars that more cigarette ash and crud exists beneath that console. Removing the carpeting also lets you wipe down the bare floor which also likely has nicotine and ash debris and you can power wash the carpeting then set it up to air-dry for a day to help with the smell.

Its far more involved, but honestly, this effort in this video with the carpeting still in the car is simply epic when all is said and done. As for you smokers out there, perhaps this clip will encourage you to kick the habit. Your body will thank you, as will your car.

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Smokers Filthy Car Professionally Cleaned Is A Job Done Right - Motor1.com

Executive Director of the Edwardsville Art Center Melissa McDonough-Borden (right) gets a hug from Kim Manoogian of Hearst Illinois as McDonough-Borden excepts the award for Best Local Art Fair won by the Edwardsville Art Fair at the Best of the Best awards at Lewis and Clark College Wednesday.

Executive Director of the Edwardsville Art Center Melissa McDonough-Borden (right) gets a hug from Kim Manoogian of Hearst Illinois as McDonough-Borden excepts the award for Best Local Art Fair won by the

Thomas Turney | For The Intelligencer

Thomas Turney | For The Intelligencer

Executive Director of the Edwardsville Art Center Melissa McDonough-Borden (right) gets a hug from Kim Manoogian of Hearst Illinois as McDonough-Borden excepts the award for Best Local Art Fair won by the Edwardsville Art Fair at the Best of the Best awards at Lewis and Clark College Wednesday.

Executive Director of the Edwardsville Art Center Melissa McDonough-Borden (right) gets a hug from Kim Manoogian of Hearst Illinois as McDonough-Borden excepts the award for Best Local Art Fair won by the

Thomas Turney | For The Intelligencer

Evening to remember: Record crowd applauds local people, businesses at Best of the Best

GODFREY A record crowd of 600 people celebrated area excellence Wednesday night for the Best of the Best of Madison County and the Riverbend, powered by The Telegraph, The Intelligencer and The Edge.

This year the event deemed the largest red carpet event by any media in the Riverbend area was moved to the Hathaway Cultural Center on the campus of Lewis and Clark Community College to accommodate participants and exhibitors. Advertising Director Carole Fredeking coordinated the event.

This years theme was An Evening to Remember. Mayors from four area communities participated in the celebration, which also included video appearances by Jon Lovitz and Carson Kressley.

We have to find a way to outdo ourselves every year, said Fredeking. We appreciate the support that we get from our communities. We really do.

The evening began with a special presentation honoring the late Godfrey Fire Chief Jake Ringering being named Best Firefighter. Ringering was 37 when he was killed while fighting a March 5 fire in Bethalto. He left a wife, Allison, and three children, Nora Marie, Elaina Lynn and Logan Jacob.

As part of his honor Wednesday night, Hearst Media made a donation to the Backstoppers organization which supports area firefighters and their families.

The top vote-getter this year in the Best of the Best of Madison County and the Riverbend was Bella Milano, followed by OSF Healthcare in second and Roberts Ford in third.

Seventeen sponsor plaques were presented for this years event, including a gold plaque to West Star Aviation and bronze plaques to First Community Credit Union, First Mid Bank & Trust, Mid-American Audiology and Wood Basement Systems.

Community sponsors included Castellis @255 Restaurant, Franklin Roofing, Imel Pest Control, Inspector Plumber, Tom Lane-State Farm, Jim Murphys Complete Landscaping, Professional Hearing, Tuckers Automotive, Liberty Bank, Robert Sanders Waste Systems, Schrempf, Kelly & Napp LTD and Riverbend Dental.

Nominations for this years competition were accepted through Sep. 20, with online voting Oct. 11-14. A special publication honoring this years nominees and winners is planned in early December.

A lot of local businesses truly see it as an honor, said Digital Media Sales Specialist Kaci Beatty. Were really proud to be putting this on.

Honorees included:

Best Car Salesman, Jason Enos

Best Chamber Director, John Keller

Best Coach, Tommy Hill

Best Nurse, Megan French

Best Photographer, Rabozzi Photography

Best Place to Work, OSF HealthCare

Best Police Officer, Chris Johnson

Best Principal, Justin Newell

Best Teacher, Tiffany Falk

Best Volunteer, Margaret Freer

Best Auctioneer, Tarrant & Harman Real Estate & Auction

Best Bank, Liberty Bank

Best Chamber of Commerce, RiverBend Growth Association

Best Credit Union, 1st Mid-America Credit Union

Best DJ, Randy Jackson

Best Insurance Agent, Tom Lane

Best Funeral Home, Pitchford, Funeral Home

Best Law Firm, Schremp Kelly & Napp

Best Local College, Lewis and Clark Community College

Best Private School, Zion Lutheran School

Best Mortgage Company, Liberty Bank

Best Realtor, Mary Beiser

Best Non-Profit Organization, Christmas in July - Community Christmas

Best Dog Trainer, Club Paws

Best Dog Daycare, Club Paws

Best Groomer, Lucky Dog Pet Grooming

Best Kennel, Club Paws

Best Veterinarian, Pope Animal Hospital

Best Animal Rescue, 5As Animal Shelter

Best Auto Body Repair, Freer Auto Body

Best Auto Detailer, Auto Butler

Best Auto Repair, Quick Lane at Roberts

Best Car Wash, Auto Butler

Best Motorcycle Sales and Service, Midwest Motorsports

Best New Car Dealer, Roberts Motors

Best Oil Change, Quick Lane at Roberts

Best Tire Shop, Quick Lane at Roberts

Best Towing/Roadside Assistance, Bowers Towing

Best Used Car Dealer, Smart Choice Auto Sales

Best Barbershop, Happy Hour Barber Shop

Best Day Spa, Bliss Salon and Spa

Best Eyebrow Shaping, Lauren Strickland at Meraki Studio

Best Hair Stylist, Wade Gibson

Best Nail Salon, Zazas

Best Tattoo Shop, Empire Ink Studio

Best Entertainment Venue, Loading Dock

Best Golf Course, Belk Park Golf Course

Best Local Live Theater, Alton Little Theater

Best Local Park, Glazebrook Park

Best Outdoor Patio, Loading Dock

Best Sports Bar, Ropers Regal Beagle

Best Wedding Venue, WOW

Best Appetizers, Bluff City Grill

Best Asian Restaurant, Wang Gang

Best BBQ, Fire & Smoke

Best Cookies, Cookie Factory Bakery

Best Doughnuts, Duke Bakery

Best Fine Dining Establishment, Gentelins

Best Fried Chicken, Castellis @ 255

Best Hamburgers, King Louies Drive-In

Best Ice Cream, Shivers Frozen Custard

Best Italian Restaurant, Bella Milano

Best Liquor Store, Corral Liquor

Best Local Coffee, Bunkhouse Joe

Best Local Desserts, Duke Bakery

Best Local Winery, Grafton Winery

Best Locally Brewed Beer, Old Bakery Beer Company

Best Martinis, Bossanova

Best Mexican Restaurant, El Mezcal

Best Pizza, Romas Pizza

Best Steak, Texas Roadhouse

Best Sushi, Wasabi

Best Wings, Alton Sports Tap

Best Chiropractor, Bemis Family Chiropractic

Best Dentist, Humbert Road Dentistry

Best Hearing Center, Professional Hearing Associates

Best Hospital, Alton Memorial Hospital

Best Imaging Center, OSF HealthCare

Best Local Yoga Studio, River Bend Yoga

Best OB/GYN, Dr. Joseph Talsky

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Evening to remember: Record crowd applauds local people, businesses at Best of the Best - The Edwardsville Intelligencer

Mr. Vac Cleaning and Restoration offers 24/7 expert carpet cleaning and air duct cleaning services in Western Colorado.

Mr. Vac Cleaning and Restoration, the cleaning and restoration family-owned business, is offering their expert carpet cleaning and air duct cleaning services in Western Colorado. The carpet cleaning Grand Junction services is committed to making the Western Slope a cleaner place with their impeccable and proven cleaning solutions and processes.

Mr. Vac Cleaning and Restoration is a name trusted by Grand Junction residents and businesses when it comes to carpet cleaning and air duct cleaning services, says the spokesperson for the family-owned business. We offer timely and quality cleaning services which has helped us achieve an A-rating for our business. We are a certified firm of the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification in the National Air Duct Cleaning Association.

Mr. Vac Cleaning and Restoration is reputed for water damage Grand Junction services. They are available on call 24/7 to provide flood services. They are experts at restoring flooded houses to a fresh, new look.

The water damage Glenwood Springs service is the undisputed leader in water, fire, and mold remediation and restoration solutions. The companys friendly technicians are fully trained and equipped to deal with any kind of situation caused by floods. Their water damage services are second to none in the Western Colorado area.

Mr. Vac Cleaning and Restoration can be contacted for any of the following services:

Mr. Vac Cleaning and Restoration services are available 24 hours a day, in case of emergency or disaster. Their efficient and hard-working professionals know how to remove the water and restore houses while helping protect against future floods.

The cleaning and restoration experts have emerged as the number one choice for many individuals throughout the Roaring Fork Valley and Summit County.

According to the company spokesperson, they handle every task, regardless of the project and its size, in a highly professional manner. The water damage Aspen service places a lot of importance on aspects like punctuality and efficiency.

Every call is responded to promptly by the efficient team at Mr. Vac Cleaning and Restoration. Projects are initiated swiftly and completed efficiently to enable clients to get back to their normal routines as quickly as possible.

About Mr. VacCleaning and Restoration:

Mr. Vac Cleaning and Restoration is the leading carpet cleaning and air duct cleaning solutions provider in Grand Junction, Western Colorado. The company enjoys an impeccable reputation in the industry because of its professional quality services, integrity, prompt response to calls, and expertise. They follow EPA guidelines and procedures in all their projects. They have been awarded an A rating by the Better Business Bureau.

For more information, visit http://www.mrvac.net

Media ContactCompany Name: Mr. Vac Cleaning & RestorationContact Person: Ted DavisEmail: Send EmailPhone: 970-476-4560City: Grand JunctionState: ColoradoCountry: United StatesWebsite: http://www.mrvac.net

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Mr. Vac Cleaning and Restoration Is the Preferred Carpet Cleaning and Air Duct Cleaning Service in Western Colorado - Press Release - Digital Journal

Homeowners with carpets will understand the pain that comes with trying to keep them clean.

From the panic you experience whenever anybody goes near it with a glass of wine to the battle against muddy shoes, there's a lot to contend with if you want to keep your carpet looking fresh.

Nothing can be more frustrating, though, than trying to get stubborn hairs out of your carpet.

Luckily, one woman has shared a genius hack to remove it within minutes and make your carpet look brand new, and the best news is that it only costs 59p.

Writing on a popular Mrs Hinch fan Facebook group, Manda Goody revealed how she uses a cheap cleaning tool from Home Bargains to get her daughter's hairs out of the carpet.

In her post, which has since racked up hundreds of comments and likes, Manda wrote: "You lovely Hinchers have done it again.

"I have a lovely silver grey carpet which lately has become a bit dull and Im always hoovering but it had lost its lovely look.

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"I saw the post about trapped hair and how hoovering doesnt get it out. So I brought a squeegee for 59p and gave it a go. This is my daughters bedroom carpet. She has very long hair.

"I was totally shocked at how much came up and a bit disgusted to be honest! My carpet now looks brand new again! If you havent tried it yet do it!"

Speaking to exclusively Manchester Evening News, Manda revealed how she'd picked up the hack from a popular Mrs Hinch Facebook page.

She has also urged people to check it won't ruin their carpets before trying her method.

Facebook users have been excited to try the method for themselves, with others sharing their own methods for getting hair out of carpets.

For all the latest shopping news, deals, beauty tips and fashion trends, and the best money-saving tips from our shopping, money-saving and consumer writer Rachel Pugh, who you can follow here.

You can also join our Manchester Money-Saving Facebook group here.

One Hincher wrote: "Thank you for sharing. I cant wait to try and it looks oh so therapeutic."

"This is one of the most satisfying jobs ever!" exclaimed somebody else.

A third said: "I use one on my stairs before i hoover i used to use a scrubbing brush first until i saw a post on here saying they used a sqeegy so i tried its amazing how much u can get up out of the pile."

Manda says she bought her Squeegee from Home Bargains, though if you want to order online you can buy one on Amazon for as little as 1.99.

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The brilliant 59p hack that instantly makes carpets look brand new in seconds - Manchester Evening News

Service by Medallion has further distinguished themselves in the Facilities Maintenance industry by becoming an IICRC-Certified Firm. The organization recently sent team members to the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration of Certification (IICRC) to become Carpet Cleaning Technicians (CCT). After three days of coursework, hands-on training, and experience, team members excelled, learned, and passed all program examination.

From now on, all facilities under the purview of Service by Medallion will have an IICRC-backed guarantee that their facilities are in exceptional hands for their carpet cleaning and maintenance needs. The IICRC-approved Carpet Cleaning Technician (CCT) course is a prerequisite for many other IICRC-approved courses.

During the program, technicians learn how to identify different fibers, yarn and carpet constructions, types, styles, finishes, soiling conditions, and more to prevent improper handling of delicate carpet constructions. Additional subjects included in the course ranged from covering the pre-inspection phase, cleaning chemical differentiation, cleaning techniques for residential and commercial facilities, as well as fabric identification and equipment operation.

The training was centered on a hands-on approach to proper cleaning procedures to assure that all technicians clean properly and do not damage various components of the carpets they maintain.

The IICRC is a non-profit organization that offers certifications to organizations that want to adhere to standards of quality and excellence in the cleaning, inspection, and restoration sectors. The Institute works closely with the Restoration Industry Association and International Sanitary Supply Association to create the standards that go into all accredited courses and certifications they provide.

The Benefits of being an IICRC-Certified Firm:

ABOUT Service by Medallion:

Service by Medallion is an award-winning facility services company, servicing corporate campuses throughout the greater Bay Area. As one of the leading Facility Maintenance companies in Northern California we are committed to delivering best in class industry leading programs and services. Medallion has been recently been recognized by third party associations for the work we deliver, including the ISSA CIMS-GB, Acterra Business Awards, and Silicon Valley Water Awards.

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Service by Medallion : is Proud to Announce Their Status as an IICRC-Certified Firm - Daily Stock Dish

The Nest Learning Thermostat and lower-cost Nest Thermostat E are both expected to get discounts for Black Friday 2019, but there are two other smart thermostats you should consider this year. And guess what: theyre both already on sale at their Black Friday prices! The ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control is ecobees flagship model, and its basically a Nest Learning Thermostat with a built-in Echo Dot. Thats right, you can use it to give Alexa voice commands! Its the single best-selling smart thermostat on Amazon and its down to $199, its lowest price yet. Or if you dont care about Alexa voice control, you can snag an ecobee3 lite Smart Thermostat instead for an all-time low of $139!

Follow @BGRDeals on Twitter to keep up with the latest and greatest deals we find around the web. Prices subject to change without notice. BGR may receive a commission on orders placed through this article.

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The best-selling smart thermostat on Amazons whole site is down to its lowest price for Black Friday - BGR

Early wintry weather has brought a sense of urgency for many Vermonters to consider how to balance having a comfortable home with an affordable heating bill. Efficiency Vermonts 10 ways NOT to save energy this winter consumer guide takes a lighter approach to exploring this question, while providing serious energy efficiency advice to help Vermonters stay warm for less.

1. Wear your jacket to bed.

Your home shouldnt be the same temperature as your back yard. If it is, it might be time for weatherization. The last decade has seen dramatic improvements in how we insulate homes. We now know almost all Vermont homes can save money just by adding insulation and air sealing in crucial areas in the attic and basement and you wont have to wear your jacket to bed.

New incentives from Efficiency Vermont make comprehensive weatherization more affordable than ever. Most Vermonters are now eligible for 50% back on the cost of the project, up to $4,000. You can also pay for your project monthly with the Efficiency Vermont Home Energy Loan, which offers 0% interest financing.

2. Build an ice cave inside your home to store leftovers from Thanksgiving.

Your home shouldnt be cold enough to maintain an ice cave! In addition to weatherizing your home, look for an efficient refrigerator. Dont know where to start? Research the most efficient products on the market, compare prices and reviews with our online tool. Or, look for the Efficiency Vermont SMART CHOICE in stores. Products with this logo are the most energy-efficient products on the market and tested for the highest standards of quality and performance.

3. Sit in the dark every night.

Lights shouldnt cost you a fortune. Replace your incandescent light bulbs with ENERGY STAR LEDs, which can save you up to 90% for each bulb. LEDs are available in almost every size, shape and color (from warmer tones to brighter whites), so check out your local retailer to find the right bulbs for your home.

4. Build a blanket fort for you and your family to sleep in right next to the woodstove.

Blanket forts are tons of fun, but you should be able to sleep in your own bed and stay warm if your heating system is up to date and working. If your heater runs on oil, it should be maintained annually. A gas system and or heat pumps should be checked every two years. Keep dust and debris off the heat sources in your home to ensure that heat is getting to you. Clear off radiators, baseboard heaters, air vents and ducts and check that the heat flow isnt blocked.

5. Wear a wetsuit in the shower.

Water heating is a homes second-highest energy cost. If you feel like you need to take cold showers in the winter, it could be time to look into a new, more efficient model. Efficiency Vermont partners with local utilities to offer incentives on highly efficient heat-pump water heaters. These electric water heaters use the renewable electricity on Vermonts grid to keep your water warm efficiently.

6. Use the drafts blowing through your house as a natural hair dryer.

If your house feels windy inside, youve probably got some holes you can seal! For windows and doors that feel drafty, there are some cost-effective actions you can take before you consider buying new (which can be very expensive). You can replace individual panes that have cracked and replace the glaze on an old window. A simple bead of caulk or weather-stripping around windows and doors can keep warm air from escaping. Lock your windows to keep that seal tight. You can also install Low-E storm windows yourself for an added barrier.

7. Wrap old towels around your heating ducts.

Save your old towels for drying off your pets! You can keep heat in your ducts by sealing seams and joints. If your ducts are going through unheated spaces like attics or garages, add insulation on top of the seal to make sure the heat is going where its needed. An Efficiency Excellence Network member will look for these energy-saving opportunities as part of a comprehensive weatherization project. Or get $100 from Efficiency Vermont to DIY some projects yourself.

8. Make a bonfire out of your summer clothes with the desperate thought that it may never be warm again.

Summer will come around again soon enough, so dont panic! Instead, look into more-efficient heating options. Keep warm without breaking the bank with a heat pump heating and cooling system. Heat pumps are efficient electric heaters that double as an air conditioner and dehumidifier in the warmer months. You can pair incentives from Efficiency Vermont with offers from your local utility to increase your savings!

If a fire helps you feel toasty on cold nights, think about an efficient pellet stove. Instead of burning your swimsuits, pellet stoves use low-moisture, cleaner-burning, compacted wood. An Efficiency Vermont rebate can help reduce the upfront cost.

9. Invite yourself over to the neighbors every night.

Community gatherings are a great way to stay warm and active in the winter. But dont overstay your welcome just because your house is too cold! Consider a smart thermostat so that the house is warm when you need it to be. Smart thermostats learn your behavior and turn off when you leave the house, and warm it again when youre on your way home. Theyre adjustable from your smartphone and can even respond to the weather outside.

10. Hibernate until May

While its tempting to stuff yourself at Thanksgiving and then curl up like a bear until spring comes, its probably not feasible for you and your family. There are many ways to make your home more affordable, more comfortable and more resilient to the cold winter ahead. Explore our guides for more ideas and resources.

Efficiency Vermont is helping our state transition to a more affordable and cleaner future. Since 2000, Efficiency Vermont has brought Vermonters together to reduce the cost of energy. We work with our partners to provide incentives, technical advice, and efficient products to help customers save money, and lower carbon emissions. For more information, contact Efficiency Vermont at 888-921-5990 or visit http://www.efficiencyvermont.com.

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"10 ways NOT to save energy this winter" -- And what to do instead - Rutland Herald

The development is still in its early stages, completion is set for end of 2020 (Photo: Megan Hoegler)

High upfront costs have traditionally led developers to shy away from geothermal technology to heat and cool residential developments. But advancements in technology and a demand for sustainable building methods is recalibrating this way of thinking.

Technology is advancing, said Adel Esayed, dean of the Centre for Construction and Engineering Technologies at Torontos George Brown College. As a result, customers want to see that reflected in their homes.

Birchcliff Urban Towns, a new townhouse development in Torontos east end, exemplifies that mindset change. The project includes 52 townhouse units in a U-shaped two-storey building thats tied together through a central courtyard. A geothermal system will heat and cool the development, which is currently under construction at Kingston Road and Birchcliff Avenue.

Theres been a big shift towards sustainability, so developers are starting to say Hey, this is something we can use as a marketing tool, said Lane Theriault, president of Subterra Renewables, a Toronto-based green energy supplier working on the Birchcliff Development. I can think of 100 or so buildings in the Golden Horseshoe that use geothermal and were built in the last 10 years.

Located at Kingston Road and Birchcliff Avenue, Urban Town Homes will be one of a handful of geothermal developments in the GTA. (Photo: Megan Hoegler)

Geothermal uses the ground as a source for transferring heat between the earth and the building. In doing so, Esayed noted, the geothermal systems use very little energy, reducing a buildings GHG emissions by up to 80 per cent.

It has a much lower operating cost than other systems, Esayed added. Geothermal heating pumps can save customers between 35 to 60 per cent on their heating and 25 to 50 per cent on cooling compared to a conventional heating and cooling system.

The greatest drawback is the steep installation cost. To install geothermal pipes, boreholes must be dug anywhere from 60 to 250 metres (200 to 800 feet) below ground. Depending on the size of the site, system size, accessibility and how much drilling is required, geothermal installation can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000.

What determines how deep you go is the cost of the drilling, Theriault said. What a lot of people dont understand is that the first part of the hole, the top layer, is actually the most expensive to dig through. Because thats where all of the clay and sand is, because its prone to caving, you have to case that part of the well.

It also requires a certain level of skill to install.

Sizing, design and installation of geothermal requires pro expertise for the most efficient system, Esayed said. Its still relatively new, so there are fewer installers and less competition, this is why installation prices for geothermal are still so high.

While it may be expensive to install, geothermal costs next to nothing to run. Once its installed, its basically free energy, Theriault said.

Conventional equipment is sort of the oppositecheap to install but very expensive to run, he added. They use a lot of energy, they break down a lot and youve got to replace them. With geo, once its in the ground, it sort of lasts forever.

According to Birchcliff Towns general contractor, John Wyman, there are currently 10 workers on site. He anticipates the build will need between 30 to 40 workers as it progresses into the later stages.

Cast-in-place concrete is being used for the below-grade portion of the building, including the underground parking lot, while crews are using conventional wood frame construction for the rest of the complex.

The development will be free of natural gas as well as rooftop heating and cooling units, eliminating a noisy eyesore, Theriault noted. Instead of rooftop heating and cooling units, each suite will have a mechanical box connected to a two-in-one heating and cooling pump.

Construction on the Birchcliff Development began in June 2019. The current completion timeline is set for the end of 2020.

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Geothermal technology on the rise in residential developments - On-Site Magazine