If your utility bills from last year were high, this year they may be even higher. We have a furnace fueled with natural gas and we supplement that with our woodstove. We’ve cut down all the trees we care to in our yard and now the wood supply has dwindled down to nothing. My husband is tired of chopping and carting wood and I’m OK with not pushing wheelbarrows of wood through a foot of snow. We are now looking for another way to heat the family room. Inside, we’ll find ways to “button” up your home for the winter to conserve energy. The Ohio Solar Tour sponsored by Green Energy Ohio will be held on Oct. 4 & 5. Locally, the tour will kick-off at Green Space Model Homes in Salem, Ohio.

Do you use compact flourescent light bulbs? They are supposed to save us money and energy? Energy Star and the EPA have released information comparing them to incandescent bulbs. They cost more upfront but can save you money in the long run.