We’re Goin’ Greener

Real examples of how we’re saving energy and money by going green around our home.

Recent Posts

What are Your Plans for Earth Hour 2010?

In March 2009, hundreds of millions of people took part in the 3rd Earth Hour. Over 4000 cities in 88 countries officially switched off to pledge their support for the planet, making Earth Hour 2009 the world’s largest global climate change initiative.

After turning out the lights just prior to the official start to Earth Hour last year, Ed and I played cards at the kitchen table by candlelight. Maybe not the best option for those past the age of 50 whose eyesight is diminishing.

This year I’ve decided to read a book on my Kindle DX using my Kandle LED Book Light and wearing my reading glasses.

So… where will you be? What are your plans for Earth Hour 2010? Going to an Earth Hour party? Doing yoga by candlelight? Or staying at home and reading your Kindle?

Let us know!

Save Your Energy Dollars From Going Up the Chimney

If you are like me, you enjoy sitting in front of an open fireplace, it’s a link to countless generations that have come before.

But there’s a BIG problem with using a fireplace…

…improperly sealed dampers.

You wouldn’t have a door without weatherstripping — so why have a damper with a metal to metal seal?

We had one of those dampers in our fireplace.

Sitting and watching TV there was a cold draft on the floor making the room uncomfortable.

Most of the time the fireplace is not being used and the damper is closed.

Studies have shown that a new damper can leak up to $200 of your energy dollars per year. Imagine what a old corroded and warped damper is costing you.

I discovered the Lyemance Top Seal Chimney Cap Damper 13×13.

The damper has a gasket that seals it shut just like a well fitting storm door and it is fixed to the top of the chimney with silicone cement.
It is operated by a stainless steel cable that runs down the flue to a latch that is installed on the side of the firebox.
Since the damper is at the top of the chimney it keeps the weather and our furry friends out of the chimney. The hardest part of the installation was getting the ladder out. It took about 45 minutes from start to finish, there was snow on the roof afterall.

The results were immediate, the draft is gone, the room is warm and comfortable and my wallet a bit thicker.

Replacing Windows and Doors

To take advantage of the energy grants available, I decided to replace all the windows and doors on the upper level of my home… all the really leaky ones.

They were so inefficient and drafty, that the upper level of the house was usually 5 – 8 degrees and more colder in winter than the lower level, where most of the windows are completely sealed units. The opposite was true in summer.

Although I’m not opposed to cold bedrooms, I AM opposed to literally throwing my heating dollars out the window — and as of tonight, there is only one degree of temperature difference between the different levels. Hurray!

Here’s a sneak peek video of the window replacement process for one of the larger windows.

So, how are you going greener?

Planning to replace your windows, doors or furnace? Leave a comment and let us know!

Goodbye to the Gas-Guzzling 500SL

Yes, it’s true. I GAVE my 500SL (an AMG version no less) away over Christmas.

I donated it to the automotive program at Okanagan College in Kelowna.

My reasons were many-fold.

1. We needed the space it was taking up in the garage for Ed’s new pickup truck.
2. I didn’t drive it at all last year.
3. It was besotted with electrical problems, i.e. you couldn’t drive it without charging it first, even after spending almost 3 grand to get the computer control unit fixed. (Yes, I have an ongoing issue with Mercedes over this).
4. The car was too big. Rather, the driver’s seat was too big for me. If I wanted to haul a** up the 3A curves westbound from 97, I would be thrown around in the seat. Ergo, I either needed a 5-point harness to be able to drive the thing properly (properly meaning foot-to-the-floor around those corners) or get a seat that fit me.
5. Lastly, but most importantly, I’ve gone very green and a gas-guzzler like the 500SL doesn’t exactly fit my lifestyle.

Regardless, it was with a lump in my throat and the hint of a tear in my eye that I said goodbye to this beautiful piece of machinery as it left for points north.

Sniff.