Brett Martin

Homeowners in northern states have already had to turn on their furnaces and boilers this fall. And a lot of them are already paying too much to make the house warm and keep the lights on. The thing is, you don't have to be a glutton to waste energymany homeowners with good intentions still end up blowing money this time of year.

Here's a look at a 17 common mistakes folks makeand some quick fixes and long-term solutions to keeping a home's systems running as efficiently and inexpensively as possible.

1. Not covering leaky windows and patio doors. Single pane windows let cold air infiltrate into the house. So do windows and doors that aren't sealed properly. A fast, inexpensive solution is to cover windows and patio doors with a clear sheet of plastic. You can cover five windows for about $20.

2. Using CFLs everywhere. Everyone knows that compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs consume less energy, but that doesn't mean they're always the best choice. "They're really not made to be turned on and off repeatedly," says Brian Winters, co-owner of Winters Electric, Inc., in Colorado Springs, Colo. "They are designed to be turned on and left on." Constantly turning them on and off, like in a bathroom or hallway, can shorten their lifespan. "They make more sense outside where you're leaving on a light from dusk until dawn."

3. Overlooking LEDs. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are sometimes a better choice than CFLs. They don't contain mercury, aren't affected by frequency of use, and use less energy than CFLs. Plus, some pretty appealing products are hitting the market.

4. Not insulating outlets and wall switches. There's probably not much, or maybe any, insulation behind the outlet boxes in your exterior walls. To stop cold air from leaking through, remove the cover plates, place a piece of foam insulation over the outlet or switch, then reattach the cover. You can buy 10 foam pieces for only $2.

5. Leaving holes unfilled. Holes in exterior walls and floors for plumbing pipes, vents and electrical conduits can let outside air into the house. Fill the gaps and holes with sealant.

6. Using incandescent bulbs without a dimmer. Dimming incandescents reduces the amount of electricity they use. "The bulbs last longer and use less energy," Winters says.

7. Not adjusting the thermostat at night. When you're away from home for more than four hours, or tucked in at night, turn down the heat to save a few bucks. Programmable thermostats can do this for you. Some can even think of this on their own.

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17 Ways You’re Wasting Money on Winter Heating and Lighting

Unit 217 - 3888 Norfolk St Burnaby
Come home to this gorgeous 3 bdrm park-view town-house at Parkside Greene. The main floor has a beautiful kitchen with granite counters with breakfast bar, 40"cabinets and stainless steel appliances. There is also a den/eating nook and s pacious living/dining area with patio doors to a deck overlooking serene park. There is also a large powder room. Upstairs you will find 3 bedrooms, 2 facing the park and 1 facing the larger landscaped courtyard. The main and ensuite spa-inspired baths have caesar-stone counters. This is one of only 2 3-bdrm homes in this wonderful complex with 2 parking stalls, storage locker, and bike storage. Conveniently located only 2 blocks to Vancouver, near schools, restaurants, freeway access and malls.From:PatrickpradeViews:0 0ratingsTime:01:45More inFilm Animation

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Unit 217 - 3888 Norfolk St Burnaby - Video

Mid Terraced House for sale in Leyton, with 4 Bedrooms
To find out more about this property click: haart.co.uk or contact Walthamstow on 020 8520 6731 or E-Mail: walthamstow@haart.co.uk GUIDE PRICE 280000 - 290000 - If you need space for the growing family then look no further than this extended four/five bedroom Victorian terraced house which is situated close to the Bakers Arms for shopping and transport facilities. The property which is being offered no onward chain boasts many fine features including gas central heating, double glazing, extended kitchen/diner, ground floor bathroom and the added advantage of an further shower room. Entrance Via double glazed door into small entrance porch, door into hallway Hallway Double radiator, power points, under stair storage cupboard, stairs to first floor landing, doors into: Through Lounge - 26 #39;1 x 11 #39;9 (7.95mx 3.58m) Double glazed bay window to front aspect, two double radiators, laminate wood effect flooring, patio doors into kitchen diner Kitchen Diner - 17 #39;5 x 15 #39;1 (5.31mx 4.60m) Range of wall and base units with corresponding work tops, double drainer and stainless steel sink unit, gas cooker point, power points, plumbing for automatic washing machine, wall mounted boiler for gas central heating, two double radiators, double glazed window to rear aspect, double glazed door to rear garden, sky light window, wooden flooring, door into: Ground Floor Bathroom Tiled walls with suite comprising pine panelled bath, wash hand basin, low level flush wc, double radiator, opaque ...From:haartAgentsViews:0 0ratingsTime:01:13More inEntertainment

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Mid Terraced House for sale in Leyton, with 4 Bedrooms - Video

Homes for Sale - 259 ECHO CIR, FORT WALTON BEACH, FL
Property Site: tour.cbunited.com Completely Updated, Move-In Ready Pool Home in the established neighborhood of Northgate Estates (Pinedale) is waiting for you! Featuring a Stunning Remodeled Kitchen and Family Room that provides that perfect setting for entertaining and upcoming Holiday Celebrations, this one-owner home is sure to please. High Quality Cherry Cabinets with Pantry and Under Cabinet Lighting set the stage for your new Kitchen. Beautiful Granite Countertops with Breakfast Bar and Granite Desk with storage, and New Undermount Sink with Upgraded Faucets. Dual Fuel Jenn Air Convection Range has it all - Gas Burners, Electric Oven with a Downdraft Exhaust; all the other Kitchen Appliances Convey as well. Open Family Room with Wood Floors and Wood Burning Fireplace with lovely Mantle for your Christmas Stockings, Separate Oversized Living Room/Dining Room, All New Interior Doors, Lots of Closet Space, New Double Paned Windows throughout, Patio Doors from both Family Room and Master Bedroom onto your oversized Open Patio, New Roof in 2010 for those lower insurance costs. Well Appointed Hall Bath is immaculate and the Master Suite is spacious and elegant; Master Bath also completely renovated with all new Everything featuring Custom Glass Shower with Stone Floor, Classic Fixtures, Lights, and Mirror as well. Three additional bedrooms (one used as an office) are also in great condition. Your Inground Pool is ready with an all new Energy Efficient Pump (7/12) and ...From:CBUnitedGulfCoastViews:0 0ratingsTime:01:47More inEntertainment

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Homes for Sale - 259 ECHO CIR, FORT WALTON BEACH, FL - Video

Detached-House for sale in Canvey Island, with 3 Bedrooms
To find out more about this property click: spicer.co.uk or contact Canvey Island on 01268 502155 or E-Mail: canvey.island@spicer.co.uk The property is situated in a popular location, close to schools, the High Street shops and seafront. Benefiting from spacious living accommodation and parking for all the family to the front, we strongly recommend an early internal inspection. Entrance Entrance door to hallway with radiator, laminate flooring, stairs to first floor landing, coved cornicing, doors to: Downstairs Cloakroom Two piece suite comprising of low level wc, wash hand basin, part tiled walls, radiator, double glazed obscure window to rear. Lounge 15 #39;9 x 11 #39;8 (4.80mx 3.56m) Double glazed window to front, laminate flooring, dado rail, radiator, coved cornicing, wall lights, door to: Dining Area 15 #39;3 x 9 #39;2 (4.65mx 2.79m) Continued laminate flooring, radiator, dado rail, coved cornicing, double glazed patio doors to rear. Kitchen 8 #39;9 x 8 #39;8 (2.67mx 2.64m) Range of eye and waist level units, roll edge work surfaces, inset sink and drainer with mixer tap, space for appliances, extractor fan, tiled walls and floor, double glazed window to rear, door to: Utility Room 10 #39;2 x 5 #39;11 (3.10mx 1.80m) Double glazed window and door to side, space for appliances with work surfaces, base units. First Floor Landing Access to loft space, built-in cupboard, double glazed window to side. Bedroom One 11 #39;5 x 11 #39;4 (3.48mx 3.45m) Double glazed window to front, radiator, dado rail, coved ...From:SpicerMcCollAgentsViews:0 0ratingsTime:01:37More inEntertainment

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Detached-House for sale in Canvey Island, with 3 Bedrooms - Video

North Pole Real Estate Home for Sale. $259900 3bd/2ba. - Whiting, Nikki of cbgoldcountry.com
http://www.fairbanksidx.com Listing: 120318 Property Type: Residential Price: $259900 Beds: 3 Baths: 2 Sq. Ft.: 1618 Year Built: 1977 Number of Acres: 0.71 City: North Pole Address: 805 RIDGE LOOP ROAD Date Listed: 2012-08-17 Description: 4 CAR GARAGE! A nice surprise! 3 bedrooms, 2 bath-on Lakloey hill--Situated on almost 1 acre above the ice fog--the only place in North Pole where you are above the ice fog--This property has a paved driveway, fenced back-yard, back yard deck and storage shed, wood shed. You will love the newer detached 2 car garage/shop to store all of the extras! The interior of this Ranch home features a large Great room w/some vaulted ceilings and wood beams that add character and appeal-Owners state that the wood stove heats the entire house and drastically reduces fuel costs!! French patio doors take you out to that deck overlooking your LARGE fenced backyard. The kitchen is newly remodeled and features tiled counter tops, wall oven, refrigerator, microwave and cooktop. Custom cabinets sell this kitchen! The eat in dining area overlooks the front yard--bright w/ a lot of windows! New carpet, flooring and paint throughout..Looks great, shows nicely! For more information on this listing, please contact: Listing Agent Whiting, Nikki 907-456-4653 Broker Coldwell Banker Gold Country 866-456-4652 cbgold@gci.net cbgoldcountry.com Serving the Fairbanks and North Pole areas ----------------------------- Are you a real estate broker and want to see your listings on ...From:FairbanksreViews:0 0ratingsTime:02:10More inPeople Blogs

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North Pole Real Estate Home for Sale. $259900 3bd/2ba. - Whiting, Nikki of cbgoldcountry.com - Video

Detached-House for sale in Woodbridge for 265000
To find out more about this property click: haart.co.uk or contact Woodbridge on 01394 382244 or E-Mail: woodbridge@haart.co.uk This large detached family residence is a MUST SEE for those looking for space where you can relax in the large open living areas. Very tastefully decorated throughout, it benefits from a multi fuel log burner, spacious double garage and contemporary kitchen. Entrance Hallway 12 #39;3 x 22 #39;8 (3.73mx 6.91m) With engineered wooden flooring, radiator and double glazed wooden front door leading to staircase Downstairs WC Engineered wooden flooring, white low level WC, hand wash basin, tiled splashbacks and radiator Lounge 12 #39;3 x 22 #39;8 (3.73mx 6.91m) Double patio doors to rear aspect, window to front aspect, solid stone granite fireplace, multifuel log burner and two radiators Dining Room 12 #39;2 x 10 #39;3 (3.71mx 3.12m) With window to front aspect and engineered solid wood flooring Kitchen 19 #39;6 max x 11 #39;9 (5.94mx 3.58m) Modern fitted kitchen with window to rear aspect, a range of upper and lower units, built in Bosch gas hob and double oven, tiled splashbacks, ceramic tiled floor and door to rear garden Landing Leading to second floor with large airing cupboard and Juliet balcony overlooking rear garden Bedroom One 12 #39;2 x 17 #39;1 (3.71mx 5.21m) Window to front aspect, radiator and en suite En Suite Partially tiled with white panelled bath, low level WC, hand wash basin, large walk in shower, window to rear and radiator Bedroom Two 13 #39;8 x 12 #39;0 (4.17mx 3.66m) Window ...From:haartAgentsViews:0 0ratingsTime:01:37More inEntertainment

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1033 Breckenridge Drive Edmonton AB T5T6B6
homesite.obeo.com Contact: KENNEDY Real Estate KENNEDY Real Estate 780-485-3010 http://www.kennedyrealestate.ca for more information about this home. Fully finished 4 bdrm home in Lewis Estates! Welcome to the season #39;s BEST f 2storey in Lewis Estates!Great floor plan and use of space. Main floor den off of front entrance, main floor laundry, pantry in kitchen, central island and patio doors to garden. Let the gourmet chef in you come alive in this top of the line kitchen! Newer granite and top end appliances - not even a year old -owners were not thinking of moving! Long term owners installed air conditioning, a new deck and patio all to enjoy the south sun in their family sized yard.From:obeovideo6Views:0 0ratingsTime:03:42More inTravel Events

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1033 Breckenridge Drive Edmonton AB T5T6B6 - Video

Homes for Sale - W2524 Roosevelt RD W2526, Ashippun, WI
Property Site: tour.circlepix.com Newer side x side townhouse duplex on big country lot located just 12 miles north of I-94. Each 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath unit features big kitchens with hardwood floors, breakfast bar, and lazy Susan open to the living room with gas fireplace. Sliding patio doors lead to large, private concrete patios. Upper bedrooms include master bedroom suite with walk-in closets, ceramic tile in bathrooms (Unit 1 has whirlpool) and private balconies. Unit 1 has a finished lower level Rec rm (14x20),Unit 2 lower level is partially finished. Plenty of parking with 2 car attached garages with extra parking spaces. There are 2nd floor utility hookups and great closet space.1 long term tenant. One year Home warranty added for an extra piece of mind. Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 full and 1 half bathrooms Square Feet: 1590 Price: $225000 For more information about this property, please contact Sara Dreyer at (262) 250-8134 or sara@soldbysara.com. See More listings at: http://www.soldbysara.com MLS ID: 1273791 http://www.realty100remax-northcentral.com http Last modified: 11/10/2012 09:27:03 pmFrom:REMAXRealty100WIViews:0 0ratingsTime:01:27More inEntertainment

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Homes for Sale - W2524 Roosevelt RD W2526, Ashippun, WI - Video

Not Your Average Plan 2
http://www.tourfactory.com This home is located in Moraga, CA. Contact The Olsen Team - Sue Ben for more information. Village Associates Real Estate (925) 200-6000 Not Your Average Plan 2 Welcome to 8 Berkshire St. a perfectly remodeled Plan 2 in Moraga Country Club. The Plan 2 is a single level 2 bedroom, 2 bath home and this one will amaze you. The transformation begins as you enter the front gate, into the private courtyard with lovely landscaping and raised deck. It is the perfect place for a cup of coffee or to sit and read a book. Designed for a chef, the kitchen features: 6 burner Viking Range, farm sink, oversized marble topped island, skylight and patio doors opening to front courtyard. The heart of this home, there is plenty of room for all the cooks and guests to gather. Adjoining the kitchen is the dining area and great room including hardwood floors, fireplace, vaulted ceilings and patio doors to the slate patio. Double doors lead to the master suite. This luxurious master bath has double sinks, a skylight and large walk-in shower. Relax on the back slate patio, great for indoor/outdoor entertaining. Or head to one of three satellite pools through the back gate. Be sure to visit the fabulous new clubhouse. HOA dues of $691/ MCC clubhouse, 18-hole golf course, 12 tennis courts, 3 satellite pools, plus the brand new 25-meter main pool.From:VillageAssociatesViews:0 0ratingsTime:03:38More inTravel Events

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Not Your Average Plan 2 - Video