It's cold outside

Well it looks like winter is upon us. I sold my old car last spring, and I just realized that I left my ice/snow brush in the trunk. Looks like I will be making a trip for a new one and let's add some ice-melt and a shovel to the list.

And to turn to less trivial topics, I would like to mention home heating. I just read that the cost of oil heat is expected to rise 39% this winter and natural gas about 10%. Ouch. One more reason to keep the thermostat down this winter. I like to focus on the fact that I am being 'green' by freezing my butt off, somehow it makes it more bearable.

What concerns me is renters and homeowners are going to face some tough choices this winter, add this to the mortgage mess and I think we are going to have a tough time this winter in the real estate market.

On the bright side, great information about heating assistance can be found on the Massachusetts DHCD website. There is good info there for renters and homeowners too. They have information about heating subsidies and low cost loans to help winterize your property and some general tips:

• Caulk and weatherstrip doors and windows that leak air.
• When the fireplace is not in use, keep the flue damper tightly closed.
• Set your thermostat as low as is comfortable and consider an automatic setback thermostat to save additional money.
• Clean or replace filters on furnaces every other month.
• Make sure that warm air registers, baseboard heaters and radiators are not blocked by furniture, carpeting, or drapes.
• Close your curtains and shades at night; open them during the day.
• Have your oil-fired heating system serviced annually and your gas-fired heating system serviced every three years.

Stay warm!