Today I had to turn the heat on. It's always a bitter sweet day for me... the end of summer and the beginning of fall. I love the fall season for all the wonderful things it brings to me (sweaters, my favorite shoes, cuddling under a blanket and the beginning of the holiday season). Turning on the heat means something else for me… HIGH ENERGY BILLS! Yuck! I love that most magazines or news stories talk about ways to reduce energy costs… for really no expense… it's just a matter of taking the time (and maybe a little coin) to get that in order. For me, turning the heat on is my "reminder" to get these things prepared or checked… Here is my "short list" of things to prep for the coming cooler months:

1. Plug all the air vents outside the house.
   
2. Check that the thermostat is pre-programmed.
   
3. Pull out all the extra blankets that have been in storage.
   
4. Change the air filters.
   
5. Close vents in the rooms seldom used.
   

I have to say that the most cost effective and simplest way to conserve on your winter energy blues is buy a programmable thermostat. It's the best way to really see the difference and it lets you come home to a warm house.

These are just a few ways to improve air/heat flow in our house… I would really encourage you to check out what your local gas (Northwest Natural Gas) or electric company have to say about ways to conserve.