Winter is quickly approaching us here in the Midwest which brings long months of cold, dreary weather. This is a great time to change up the vibe of your home to radiate warmth and coziness to brave through the cold. Create a cozy oasis that you’ll enjoy spending time in whether you are by yourself or enjoying the company of friends and family.

Use Warm Colors
Think about adding warmth to your home through warm tones. Swap out textiles, accessories, and art with hues of rusty red, burnt orange, mustard yellow, or olive green which are colors to pair with neutral color schemes.

Get Cozy with Lighting
Use light fixtures in your home to create a cozy ambiance that emits a warm, soft glow. With the sun setting earlier, utilize lighting to make up for the lack of sunlight during the winter. You can rearrange floor and table lamps to brighten up the darker corners of your space. Switch out your bulbs for ones with warmer color temperatures for a noticeable change. Remember that ambient lighting from table and floor lamps gives a much softer feel than full-blast overhead lights and allows you to create different moods in your space.

Throw Blankets and Pillows for Layers
Layer some chunky-knit or seasonal patterned and colored blankets over sofas, chairs, benches, and beds. This is an easy item to swap out throughout the year, especially for an extra cozy touch in the winter. Chunky pillows that match your sofa are always a great option, a pouf of fur adds a warm touch. Try adding smaller, uniquely shaped pillows that highlight colors, patterns, and textures that express the season and your personal style.

Hang Heavier Drapes
Swapping out your light summer sheers for drapes with a thicker fabric is a great way to boost the coziness of your home but also bring a new feel into your rooms. You don’t have to break the bank making this swap plus heavy drapes help keep out drafts.  

Layers of Bedding
Introduce extra layers to your bed for the winter months and switch out sheets to a warmer fabric such as flannel or fleece. Switching to heavier bedding options is a great way to make your bed super warm and cozy. Drape a cozy throw or two at the foot of your bed and add some decorative pillows for some warmth and texture.

Incorporate Winter Scents
Add a nice fragrance to a room through a candle, diffuser, or plug-in air freshener. Warm scents like amber, cinnamon, pine, or anything woodsy and earthy are great for creating a cozy atmosphere.

With all the hard work going into the most anticipated meal of the year, don’t let your Thanksgiving leftovers go to waste. We found some of the best recipes and ideas you can use with your leftovers to enjoy every last bite of them! 

Turkey Recipes

• Turkey Cobb Sandwiches 
• Buffalo Turkey Sandwich 
• Chopped Dinner Salad with Crispy Chickpeas
• Turkey and Mushroom Risotto 
• Turkey Carcass Soup 

Stuffing Recipes 

• Stuffing Muffins
• Stuffing Hash
• Bacon Wrapped Stuffing Bites
• Baked Egg & Stuffing Cups
• Stuffing Stuffed Pork Chops 

Potato Recipes

• Thanksgiving Potato Skins 
• Mashed Potato Pancakes
• Twice-Baked Potato Casserole
• Mashed Potato & wild Rice Stuffed Mushrooms
• Fried Mashed Potato Balls

Use a Bit of Everything!

• Ultimate Leftover Turkey Breakfast Sandwich
• Turkey Club with Fried Stuffing
• Turkey Vegetable Soup with Stuffing Dumplings
• Crispy Mashed Potato & Stuffing Patties
• Thanksgiving Ring

Buying or Selling in the Winter

Traditionally summer is the hot time for buying and selling a home and once late November hits, home sales start to slow. During the winter months, many people stay indoors causing homes to sell slower due to fewer people being out. The holiday season is also a busy time for many, redirecting their focus.

However, there are a few factors challenging the traditional norms of buying and selling during the seasons, such as the rise of remote work, digital schooling, and minimal inventory causing consumers to jump on listings regardless of the time of year.

If you are considering buying and selling this winter season but are apprehensive, there are some advantages to consider.

Tips for Selling Your Home this Winter

When it comes to decorating for the holidays, experts have mixed views on doing so when trying to sell your home. While normally, the rule is neutralizing your home, holiday décor can usually put someone in a good space and is fun and exciting for buyers with families. If you do choose to decorate, wait to hang up lights and décor until after your listing photos have been taken. Be sure to take down the outside décor after the holidays are over. If you live in a snowy area, be sure your home is safe for potential buyers touring your home. Make sure outside walkways and your driveway are clear of snow and put down sand and salt as an extra precaution.  It is important to remember that there is a good chance your home will remain on the market longer during the cooler months, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to reduce the price.

Tips for Buying a Home this Winter

Buying a home in the winter does have some advantages and you could end up getting a better deal with shopping being slow. While market values don’t necessarily drop too much during this time, it is easier to get your offer accepted because there will be less competition among buyers. The colder months are a good time to check on the condition of a home. You are going to want to inspect the window and door frames to see how well they are sealed. If you can feel drafts coming in this could be something you can negotiate in the final sale. Remember that during this time there isn’t much competition, so sellers will probably be willing to work with you.

Advantages of Selling Your Home in the Winter

• There are a limited number of sellers on the market in the winter, so you’ll face less competition.
• Buyers often mean business. Trudging around in the freezing weather or breaking away from holiday schedules to look at your home probably means the buyer is serious.
• A lot of corporate relocation happens in the fourth quarter, so anyone looking for this reason is highly motivated. Similarly, many winter buyers are working against a deadline – an expiring lease, relocation, or contract in their current home.
• Lots of people have time off during the holiday months which means more time for browsing their favorite home apps and scheduling home showings.

Advantages of Buying a Home in the Winter

• You won’t have to deal with as many competing buyers since home sales take a bit of a plunge during the winter. Therefore, it is less likely that you have to worry about someone else snagging your dream home before you can submit an offer or get caught in a bidding war.
• You can lock in the current mortgage rate because waiting until the spring could result in even higher mortgage rates and prices. If mortgage rates go down, you can always refinance.
• Since supply and demand for housing are both down during the winter months, you might be able to save money on your purchase by getting a better deal.

With the cooler weather beginning to settle in, indoor gardening can be a great way to keep your green thumb alive this winter season. While you may not be able to grow as much as you could in your outdoor garden, there is still a wide variety of fruits, veggies, and herbs that can be grown indoors!

Getting Started
When starting your indoor garden, choose a location in your house with adequate light and ventilation. A sunny windowsill works great, especially a southern exposure window. If enough sunlight is an issue, you can invest in artificial lighting such as fluorescent bulbs or LED lights. Make sure there is enough space for the plants to grow.

The supplies you will need to start with are more or less limited to soil, containers, and seeds or starter plants. You can also invest in smart gardens or aerogardens. These are hydroponic systems that provide an optimal environment for growing healthy plants. These often have built-in lights and are easy to use. Do some research and decide which gardening type is right for you.

You will also need to choose the right pots and containers depending on the size of the plants you are growing. Small herbs will grow sufficiently in shallow pots, while larger vegetables may require deeper ones. Simple terra cotta pots are commonly used, and traditional round posts or longer rectangular planters are perfect for a windowsill. Make sure you choose something with drainage holes to release excess water to avoid root rot in your plants.

What to Grow
While you may not be able to grow as many plants as you are outside, there are still a lot of plants you can grow indoors. Plants that are known for growing well inside are:

• Leafy greens such as salad greens. This is one of the most reliable types to grow indoors such as kale, arugula, or spinach.
• Microgreens are easy to grow, compact, and packed full of nutrients. These small edible greens can be harvested when they reach 1-3 inches tall.
• Potatoes can be grown from old potato scraps. If you have a potato that has begun to sprout, cut it up into chunks and lay them sprout side up in your planter. Set these with 4-5 inches of soil below the sprouts and then cover with another 4-5 inches of soil. These may take longer to grow and will need a larger pot.
• Herbs are a great one to grow but do require lots of sunshine and grow best in warmer temperatures.
• Sprouts are another popular option that have different growing options including in mason jars.
• Green onions can also be planted using scraps. Just save the root end of the onion after using the greens and you’ll have a fresh new onion.
• Carrots can be grown indoors too, but make sure to give them plenty of vertical space.
• Tomatoes are another great option to include. Choose a smaller variety and be sure to give them at least 14-20 hours of sunlight per day.

Caring For Your Garden
When it comes to caring for your indoor garden, make sure to check the plants weekly. If the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, give it a drink. If the surface of the soil feels moist, let it sit a bit longer to avoid over-watering.

Choose a nutrient-rich soil such as a potting mix designed for container gardening so your plants can thrive indoors. Organic potting soil works well such as composted manure and peat moss. Your garden may benefit from periodic fertilizing but be sure to avoid overfertilizing as it will cause damage to your plants.

When it comes to your indoor garden, be patient with it. The plants will grow at a slower pace but with a little bit of time and research, it can be successful!

Image via Freepik

When your business outgrows its current space, the prospect of upsizing your home becomes an exhilarating challenge, marking a pivotal moment in your entrepreneurial journey. This article, courtesy of The Aaron Weber Group, serves as your comprehensive guide on this matter.

You must navigate through the crucial considerations necessary to successfully operate your business from your new home. And these invaluable insights will help you achieve a seamless transition, maintain the highest standards of professionalism, and adhere to local regulations to ensure your business thrives in its expanded environment.

Consider Further Education

As your business grows, so should your skills. Going back to school for a business degree can help sharpen your entrepreneurial acumen and equip you with the tools needed for long-term success. Continuous learning and self-improvement are essential for adapting to the evolving business landscape and staying competitive in your industry.

Evaluate Your Space Needs

Determine what your new home will require to successfully run your business. This involves evaluating your office, storage, and production space needs, as well as any specialized requirements for your industry. Consider the layout of your new space to ensure it can accommodate your business operations efficiently.

Insure Your Home and Business

Protect your investment by understanding the costs involved in insuring your home-based business. While homeowners insurance covers property damage, theft, and injuries, consider investing in a home warranty for system and appliance breakdown coverage. The additional protection can save you from unexpected financial burdens in the long run.

Keep Your Operations Running Smoothly

To ensure your business keeps running smoothly during the transition, plan ahead. Temporary workspaces, notifying clients, and coordinating your move can minimize disruptions.

Implement a strategy to transfer essential equipment, files, and maintain your online presence. Keeping your business operations uninterrupted will help you retain customers and maintain your professional image.

Review the Local Zoning Laws

Research and adhere to local zoning laws and regulations. This step is crucial to avoid potential legal issues that could arise from operating a business in a residential area. Complying with zoning regulations ensures you can run your business without facing penalties or legal disputes.

Consider Privacy Matters

Incorporate elements of privacy into your new home. Design a workspace that provides both functionality and separation from your living space.

This balance is essential for maintaining work-life boundaries. Creating a separate, organized, and quiet workspace will help you stay productive and maintain a healthy work-life balance. And you’ll enjoy clocking in more each day!

Prepare for Professional Client Meetings

Be professional when receiving clients in your home. Create a dedicated and presentable meeting space to ensure your clients feel comfortable and confident in your home-based business environment. Invest in professional furnishings and decor for your meeting area to make a positive impression on clients and associates.

Foster Community Communication

Good neighbors make good business partners. Open lines of communication with your neighbors about your business activities to address any concerns or issues and build positive relationships within the community. Showing consideration and respect for your neighbors can foster a supportive environment for your business and help mitigate potential conflicts.

Wrapping Up

Expanding your home to accommodate your growing business is a significant step that demands careful planning and execution. Assessing your space needs, insuring your home and business, maintaining seamless operations during your move, and communicating with your neighbors will help you establish a thriving home-based business.

Remember that a well-thought-out approach will keep your growing business aligned harmoniously with your new home. With these considerations in mind, you can confidently take the step toward a prosperous future for your business.

Kitchen updates are great whether you are looking to refresh your space or trying to tup the value of your home. You don’t have to spend a fortune on these updates either, small changes can make a big difference with the feel of the room. These solutions run from quick-day fixes to bigger weekend jobs. Look around your kitchen and see what may be lacking and what you can do to rejuvenate the space.

Update Hardware
An easy and inexpensive fix for a fresh look is swapping out your cabinet knobs. Try new metal or glass knobs for an easy way to elevate your space. A new kitchen faucet is another update that would provide immediate noticeability. Our faucets are in constant use, updating an old and dingy one is practical, adds style, and enhances the overall design of your kitchen.

Paint Your Cabinets
If your cabinets need a refresh, and you don’t have the budget for totally new cabinets, consider painting them. This is still a big project, but a cheaper option. Painting your cabinets plus new hardware is one of the best ways to breathe life into a tired kitchen along with a great return on your investment. Click here for a guide to painting your cabinets. 

Consider the other colors and elements in your room when choosing a color. If you already have a lot of color in the room, it may be best to go with neutral cabinets. There are many different shades of white, light grey, dark grey, and grey-beige that help ground the space and give freedom to incorporate more playful colors in other objects.

If darker cabinets are the route you are thinking of, colors such as emerald green, cranberry red, black, and navy blue can really make a statement in the kitchen. Remember that darker colors work best in large spaces since they can darken a room. If you do have a smaller kitchen, balance out the darker colors with white walls and lighter accents.

Two-toned cabinets are another popular option to give your kitchen some character. Use a lighter color on top and a darker one on the bottom to help ground the space.

Update Lighting
Updating the lighting situation can make all the difference in your kitchen. Replace any old pendant lights; if your kitchen doesn’t have any, add some. A popular and useful space to add pendant lights is above a kitchen island. Consider adding a light bar under your cabinets to illuminate your kitchen even more plus this can be helpful when reading recipes.  

Add Backsplash
Transform your cooking space with endless ideas for a backsplash using tile, stone, glass, ceramic, and more. Find one that best fits your kitchen style and your style.

A colorful backsplash may work well with a kitchen that is dressed in white and wood tones. A classic and casual option for modern kitchens is using a subway tile backsplash. Recycled glass tile can work best to blend with cabinets and countertops seamlessly. Using a marble slab as your stove backsplash can look stunning in a neutral kitchen (plus it is cheaper than marble countertops). 

Décor
Bring life into your kitchen by adding some decorative pieces. Cookbooks and cutting boards work well when sitting on countertops. Try displaying photos as a photo gallery on a blank wall. Add some small plants for some extra freshness.

Fall is here! The change in seasons can be a great time to change up your home décor. Bring in the coziness with new textiles, fresh colors, and earthy accessories. We tracked down some of the top decorating trends for this fall.

Personalized Color Palettes
Hues of reds, oranges, and yellows are always classic for autumn however, a more refined color palette is gaining popularity this fall. A natural aesthetic that is both soft and inviting seems to be the theme all around this year. This can be achieved by embracing colors that are reflective of nature such as shades of chocolate brown, mossy green, and caramel. Going for a more rustic look? Try burgundy and brown florals with red, orange, and green hints.

Shades of pumpkin and sage are also great for warming up your spaces this fall. If you are struggling to come up with a color palette that works right for you, look at your outdoor surroundings and consider the underlying colors you see in fall. Ultimately go with colors that you enjoy looking at.

Refresh Your Textiles
The fall season can be a great time to swap out pillows, throws, and rugs. This is a great area to add more layers and texture for a cozy feel. Follow a color palette you chose from above and think about pairing different textiles together. Textiles that are traditionally introduced in the fall are velvet, cashmere, and wool.

Velvet
As mentioned before, velvet is commonly used in fall. This year velvet is fall’s biggest trend! This is the perfect material for creating a cozy fall ambiance. When choosing velvet think of layering the fabric in different pillows.

Nordic Retreat
The Scandinavian style has really started to become a top trend in interior design. Take this style with more sustainable, grounding, and artisan elements giving it more character and a more personalized touch to your home. The key here is to warm the space without overpowering the eyes. Popular materials include earthy materials such as rough wood, stone, and concrete, patterned ceramic accessories, and in-tone fabrics.

Layers and Texture
We continue talking about it isn’t going anywhere, layers and texture are here to bring coziness into the fall season. To best achieve this, alternate warm colors such as with a decorative pumpkin in a wicker basket for a stylish look. Add textures with different types of textured pillows, blankets, and even tabletop items such as figs and cotton.

Chunky Knits
Chunky knits are going to be huge this fall – we can expect to see them everywhere. Knit-throw blankets and pillows are fall design favorites right now. Maybe throw in a knit pouf around your home for some added texture.

Autumn in Wisconsin contains some of the best colors with the prime time being late September to mid-October. Experience the ever-changing colors of this season before the winter months arrive. We’ve got you covered with some of the best places you can enjoy the fall colors all around the state.

Door county

Door County is a popular destination in the Midwest, especially in summer. However, this region of Wisconsin is even more gorgeous in autumn when the leaves start to turn colors and the crowds start to die down. There are also so many activities that you can do when in Door County

Sister Bay provides some of the best fall colors seen on the famous Jens Jensen Winding Road between the stretch of Highway 42 between Sister Bay and Northport.

Peninsula State Park includes lighthouses, beaches, and hiking trails with amazing fall colors. Looking for a panorama view of the foliage? Don’t miss Eagle Tower, where you can climb 100 steps or take a fully accessible canopy walk that snakes above the tree line.

Cooper Falls State Park

Experience Cooper Falls State Park this fall containing over 17 miles of trails and one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Wisconsin. The most popular trail to see the fall colors is the Doughboys Nature Trail, a 1.7-mile hike with an easy walk to the waterfalls. This state park also includes some longer hiking trails as well as some great mountain biking trails.

Wisconsin River/Baraboo Hills Tour

If you are looking for a scenic drive with some hiking between, the Wisconsin River and Baraboo Hills tour is the perfect day drive.

You can start this tour in Lodi and head west on HWY 113 for five miles to CTY V and make your first stop at Gibraltar Rock State Natural Area. Here you will take a steep climb to the top but the panoramic autumn views will make it worth it.

Head two miles further on HWY 113 and cross the Wisconsin River on the Merrimac Carferry (free & runs until the end of November) to continue onto HWY 113 to Devil’s Lake State Park.

Devil’s Lake is one of Wisconsin’s most popular parks and the best place to view the fall colors in the state. You can choose from a variety of levels of hikes to take in the beauty of autumn.

Journey into Baraboo, only a couple miles away, to Ski Hi fruit farm for its peak apple season and fun for the whole family.

Perrot State Park

Within 1200 acres in Trempealeau County lies Perrot State Park known for its natural, archaeological, and historical resources. There are many trails to explore here and a 24-mile Great River State Trail for cyclists. You can get the best view of the Mississippi from the 500-foot-high bluffs.

Rib Mountain State Park

At the highest point of Rib Mountain State Park, you can view miles and miles of color stretching out. Here you can enjoy many hiking trails, places to picnic, and an amphitheater. This park has lots of fun things to do while giving you spectacular views of the Wausau area and the Wisconsin River.

Lake Geneva

There is lots to do around Lake Geneva this fall including shopping at the many boutiques and visiting a few wineries while enjoying the fall colors. You can walk around the lakeshore, take a scenic drive on Rustic Road Trail 11, enjoy a lake cruise, or zipline through the tree canopy. Here you have access to the beautiful lake and many outdoor activities.

Minocqua and Eagle River

Autumn is an excellent time to visit the northern part of the state. Minocqua and Eagle River contain around 600 miles of hiking trails and plenty of places to catch the fall foliage. The first week of October is typically the best time to catch the most vibrant colors. A popular hiking spot this time of year is Bearskin which Traverses 21 miles of old railroad tracks.

Milwaukee: Seven Bridges Trail

If you live in the southeastern part of the state or plan to visit this fall, check out the Seven Bridges Trail. Located in the heart of Milwaukee, this trail is in Grant Park and runs for just two miles, a low-key yet scenic hike. You will find trees arched over the historic covered bridges at the trailhead, follow stone steps and small bridges as you make your way to Lake Michigan for the sweeping vista.

Our bathrooms are a space that takes on a lot of wear and tear, so you want to keep it functioning well and make good-looking upgrades. Cluttered, poorly designed, or outdated bathrooms can make having a clean and calming space difficult. This is a place in our homes where we find peace and quiet whether it be a long shower, a soothing bath, or a nightly skincare routine. Bathroom updates are an investment in our self-care. They also happen to have a 93.2% return at resale – just something to keep in mind. Consider some of these ideas to help you with your next bathroom update for a relaxing spa-like experience every time you enter.

Tile the Shower Floor
Use small, textured shower tile on your shower floor for a safe upgrade to avoid slipping. The tile is easy to clean, and the grout will resist mold, humidity, and stains. Mix and match different patterns for the maximum visual impact of your style. Ceramic and porcelain tiles have great options that come in many style possibilities and colors.

Add Convenient Storage
Add a recessed medicine cabinet to gain more storage and avoid clutter sitting on your countertops. This is a great option to hide your daily used items in a space easy for you to grab from. These cabinets can fit neatly between wall studs above the bathroom sink, or wherever you need it.

Improve the Lighting
Consider changing or adding to your current lighting to improve the functionality and mood of the space. Try adding a dimmer to the main lights and add recessed lighting around the mirror to give you the best lighting possible when doing hair, makeup, or other tasks that require lots of light.

Heated Flooring
Update the flooring in your bathroom if it is starting to look dingy and stale. While you’re at it, try adding heated flooring for optimal comfort, especially if you live in a cold climate. Most bathroom tiles are naturally cold and running the floor heating for a little while can cause the tiles to retain heat for a long time. They will add value to your home and save you money on energy costs in the long term.

New Showerhead
A new showerhead such as a rain-style one can give your bathroom a luxury spa feel. Or consider trying a low-flow option. They pump out less water, which saves hundreds or thousands of gallons per year.

Update Countertops
Give your countertops an update while considering appearance and functionality. For instance, natural stone countertops are expensive, but are durable and fit many different design styles. Marble countertops are a popular choice and appeal to many looks wise but are porous and need regular resealing. Laminate countertops are an inexpensive option but don’t add much to resale value. Tiled countertops can be easy to install, but the grout lines need frequent cleaning. With all that being said, pick what works with your lifestyle and design style.

Update Vanity
There are a few options for a vanity update depending on the look you want and the budget you are working with. You can give your existing vanity a fresh coat of paint and modern knobs or try renovating a vintage piece to fit your style. Another cheaper option is to shop for vanity combos with an installed countertop and sink. When choosing to go with a new vanity, remember to consider how much storage space you need.

Accessorize
Accessorize your bathroom with pieces that go together and create a cohesive style. For example, pick towel bars in the finish that coordinates with your faucets. Give bold wallpaper a try to create an upscale look for an affordable price by opting for temporary peel-and-stick wallpaper.  Consider a backsplash in your bathroom by creating a statement wall with tile. Upgrade your soft surfaces – new window treatments, rugs, towels, and shower curtains to brighten and refresh your bath.

Bathroom upgrades don’t have to be dreaded or super expensive. Swap out old features as you have the time and money for your own personal oasis.

Making your home more energy efficient is great for the environment while lowering your energy costs. Follow some (or all) of these simple adjustments you can make in your house.

Lighting
A simple yet effective fix is changing out your lightbulbs. At least start with your most used ones and gradually switch out the rest. Look for light bulbs with the Energy Star Label. Using compact fluorescent or LED bulbs will use significantly less energy and last longer.

Adjust Your Thermostat
Adjusting your thermostat while you aren’t home, sleeping, or on vacation can save your home major money and energy. Many thermostats nowadays have the option to change the settings to automatically turn up or down depending on when you are home or sleeping. If your thermostat isn’t one of the smart ones, consider upgrading or changing it manually will work just fine too, and can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 15%!

Properly Insulate Your Home
Ensure your home stays warm in the winter and cold in the warmer months with proper insulation. To keep from wasting energy when heating and cooling your home, check for drafts around window frames and doors, use caulking around windows, install weatherstripping, add a door sweep, and apply heating-vent tape to visible joints. In the colder months, applying exterior window film can increase efficiency further.

Use Energy Efficient Appliances
When it comes time to upgrade your appliances, trade them out with energy-efficient models to save money and help the environment. Look for appliances that are Energy Star efficient. Consider low-flow fixtures to use less water but also reduce your utility bill. These types of sink faucets and showerheads use minimum water when they are running. Look for appliances with an EPA WaterSense Label.

Unplug, Unplug, Unplug!
Unplug your appliances and electronics when they are not in use! Electronic gadgets such as your tv, cable boxes, game consoles, and phone chargers suck energy even when they are turned off. An easy fix is to have everything on a single power bar for an easy switch-off when everyone goes to bed. And while you are at it, unplug any appliances just sitting out such as a toaster, coffee maker, and air fryer.

Tend to Your Appliances
When your appliances have clogged filters, they work less efficiently, causing inadequate air quality, and resulting in higher energy bills. Make sure to change the filters on your HVAC system every three months or so and clean parts of the furnace you can’t see or reach to make sure it isn’t working harder than it has to, prolonging its life. Also, make sure to clean your large appliances such as the vent in the back of your refrigerator and your clothes dryer exhaust. When these vents get clogged with dust, they work harder requiring more energy use.

Use Ceiling Fans
A simple yet effective way to save energy is to utilize your ceiling fans… or install some if you don’t have them already. We all know they can be great for cooling off a room, they can also be useful in the winter months. In the summer, ceiling fans should rotate counterclockwise to push the cool air down. In the Winter, the fan direction should go clockwise and at the lowest speed to pull the cold air up.

Air Dry Clothes
Hang up a clothesline or purchase some drying racks to save up to six percent on your home’s total energy use. Dryers suck up a lot of energy and hanging up your clothes to dry (outside during the summer months and inside during the winter) when possible, can help save on costs.

Energy Audit
Looking for more ways to save energy in your home? Consider investing in an energy audit and having a professional tell you where there’s room for improvement and savings.