Tips for Efficient Heating

Contrary to popular belief, it is actually very easy to save energy and money during seasonal months. Now that winter is nearing, you may be worried about your bills taking a big chunk out of your wallet. You can stop worrying because you can actually keep your bills low and your home warm in many different ways with little to no hassle!

1. Keep your curtains open during the day and closed during the night. Keeping your curtains open during the day let the sun's rays warm up your home without costing you a single penny! At night, you'll want to keep the shades closed to reduce heat loss and to keep the heat trapped inside your home.

2. Use a programmable thermostat to maintain the temperature in your home. Thermostats like the Honeywell TH8321 help you control the temperature depending on how often you're home. By setting the temperature a little lower when you're not home, you can easily save money and energy. Studies show that you can save up to 33% on your bills by reducing the temperature by a mere 3 degrees!

3. Use a tankless water heater like the Stiebel Eltron DHC 5-2 to boil water instead of a water heater that features a tank. Tankless water heaters use less energy because they keep the water at a constant heated temperature and they use up to 50% less power! If you have a larger home, the Tempra-36 by Stiebel Eltron can easily provide hot water for a home with up to 4 bedrooms! Also, though most tankless water heaters can reach up to 140 degrees, it is wise to keep yours at about 120. This prevents scalding as well!

4. If your central heating just isn't cutting it for you, use an electric space heater instead of turning up your heating unit. Setting the thermostat to a higher temperature won't warm up your home any faster; it will only make you pay more money.

5. If you're looking for an efficient yet decorative way to keep your home warm, you might consider electric fireplaces such as the NewAir AH-510E and the DeLonghi SFG1031. These beautiful, realistic fireplaces make your living room look and feel warm and comfortable. Refer back to this post if you want to find out more information about electric fireplace heaters!

Overall, it is rather simple to keep heating costs down and heating effectiveness up. With these tips and tricks, you'll be keeping your home warm while paying a lot less!

Saving Money with Dehumidifiers

High humidity levels are problematic to many people, especially in the United States. Research shows that humidity levels in homes should stay at about 30-50% during the summer and 30-40% during the winter for a more comfortable feel. If your home feels like Las Vegas in the summer, you should use a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity levels.

Mold and fungus are common features of areas that have high humidity levels. When left to grow, mold and fungus can become toxic and decrease the quality of your indoor air. Many may find that allergies, wall stains and musty odors are prominent problems that result from high humidity levels. Long term affects of high humidity levels not only include permanent home and furnishing damages, but also chronic illnesses and health problems. Dehumidifiers like the NewAir ADS-600 mini dehumidifier can help reduce the amount of mold in your home as well as relieve your allergy symptoms.

There are only a few important factors to consider when choosing a dehumidifier. Depending on how large and how humid your home is, you need to determine how many pints of moisture your dehumidifier should carry. However, a fact to consider is that larger dehumidifiers can dehumidify smaller areas faster. For more help on how to determine the size you need, refer to a dehumidifier buying guide. Another factor to consider is a built-in humidistat. If you want to be able to adjust different humidity levels, you need a dehumidifier with a built-in humidistat, like the NewAir AD-400. With the AD-400, you can adjust the humidity level to any percentage from 40-80%! If you live in an area with colder temperatures and just want to decrease the condensation in your home, try to find a dehumidifier with automatic defrost, such as the Soleus CFM 25 dehumidifier. This will save you from having to wipe your mirrors and windows constantly! For removing excess moisture in small spaces such as closets or bathrooms, take a look at the NewAir ADS-300! At only 2 pounds, this dehumidifier is just right for musty, tight places.

Dehumidifiers can easily save you money - once you use one, you'll realize that the moisture has been tricking you into using the air conditioner more often. See just how comfortable your home can really be by using a dehumidifier today!

The NewAir AC-10000E Portable Air Conditioner: My Biggest College Regret

I really miss college. It was a time in my life where every minute and every task was leading up to a specific goal. The one thing that really cheesed me off when I left college, though, was all the things that were brought to my college after I graduated. For instance, a very convenient trolley that was inexpensive and carried students directly from the campus to the train station was opened about a month after I left college. Also, a state-of-the-art student center was opened the semester after I graduated. Any friends who were still attending my university were quick to tell me, "the center is awesome" and "too bad you already graduated." One of the other things that I did not have the pleasure of using while I was I college is the Amazon Kindle. If you are unfamiliar with the Kindle, it is a wireless reading device that can hold over 1,500 books. This would have been so helpful in college, considering I was a creative writing major and reading books was a significant portion of my academic program. I guess I can't really blame technology for improving, but is it my fault I was born a couple of years too early?

One innovation I really could have used in my college dorm or my college apartment is the NewAir AC-10000E Portable Air Conditioner. Portable air conditioners are great for smaller areas like dorm rooms or apartments because they offer quick, efficient cooling without sacrificing precious living space. Here are the features the NewAir AC-10000E offers that could have made my college years in a hot, dry climate a lot more comfortable:

Sleek Design: My dorm room wouldn't allow window air conditioners and sometimes my roommates and I couldn't agree on a standard apartment temperature. This portable ac would have kept my comfortable without breaking any rules or causing discomfort to others. It is also very light, making it easy to move from room to room.

Self Evaporative Technology: As a busy college student, I was too occupied with studying (or partying) to have to empty a water bucket. The AC-10000E features self-evaporative technology that removes collected moisture by evaporating it into the exhausted air.

Powerful Cooling: My whole dorm room and my entire room in my apartment would have been kept comfortably cool by the 10,000 verified BTUs of cooling power.

Built-In Timer: Money as well as time was tight back then, so the built-in 12 hour programmable timer that allowed you to set the length of operation would have been extremely beneficial. It saves time and reduces energy consumption.

Filters Indoor Air: Once I entered college I noticed that during the spring semester every year, my nose would start running, my eyes would start watering and my throat was extremely irritated. This was the beginning of my seasonal allergies. The NewAir AC-10000E portable air conditioner features a bonus air filter that removes airborne contaminants such as dust and dander which really helps allergy sufferers like me.

Great Value: I worked at the campus library for about 10 hours a week, so I was hardly raking in the dough. That would have been no problem because this unit is very affordable. It also saves you money because it can work as an air conditioner, dehumidifier, fan and air filter.

Residential Energy-Saving Tips -- Consider a Programmable Thermostat or Space Heater

Rising energy costs and a lackluster economy have prompted many Americans to look for more creative ways to slash their electric bills this winter. Learn how your family can save money, the environment, and conserve energy by following a few simple steps. No big lifestyle changes or large cash outlays are required; just a willingness to try the following suggestions:

1. Replace conventional light bulbs with fluorescent bulbs. Studies have shown that fluorescent light bulbs last for years and that their efficiency can reduce your energy bill over time.

2. Turn off your lights, radio, television, computer, and other household appliances when leaving a room or heading to bed.

3. Consider using a programmable thermostat that can be preset to lower your home’s central heating system when you’re at work or asleep. Decreasing the temperature by as little as 3 degrees can shave off up to 33 percent of your heating costs over a season. One great model is the Honeywell TH6110D programmable thermostat. This affordable unit features weekday/weekend programming and offers precise temperature control.

4. Install draft-stoppers, caulk cracks, and cover your windows. These inexpensive methods prevent heat loss and will ensure your home is well-insulated.

5. Use an energy-efficient electric space heater as a way to add supplemental heat. Look for reflective heaters such as the NewAir AH-350 which warm people or objects in front of the heater without the energy losses and warm up time associated with traditional convection space heaters, or even models with automatic climate control such as the Vornado TVH600 whole room space heater.

Maximize Your Air Conditioner's Efficiency This Summer

Studies have shown that heating and cooling systems account for over half of a household’s energy bill, and air conditioning itself uses almost 16% of total electricity (more than any other household appliance). Therefore, if you’re looking to cut down on your electric bill, addressing your cooling costs can result in significant savings and the following 5 tips can help:

1. Set Your Thermostat as High as Possible: For maximum savings, set your thermostat to 78°F or higher, as each degree setting below 78°F will increase your energy consumption by 8%. Also, if you don’t have one already, install an inexpensive programmable thermostat. These devices will optimize your home’s heating and cooling systems by automatically adjusting the temperature during low-occupancy hours.

2. Shade Sun-Exposed Walls and Windows: Whether you’re using a central, window, or portable air conditioner, be aware that direct sunlight streaming through your windows can raise temperatures significantly and substantially increase your cooling costs. Be sure to shade windows with drapes, curtains, or even trees and brushes when possible. Also, keep in mind that exterior shading is generally more effective than interior shading.

3. Use a Ceiling Fan in Conjunction with Your AC: Ceiling fans create air movement that can result in a 4°F drop in temperatures, and when used with an air conditioner, this allows you to set the thermostat higher than normal. Also, because ceiling fans generally use the same amount of electricity as a standard light bulb, it will only cost you pennies a day to operate.

4. Regularly Clean Filters: This is especially important during the cooling season. Be sure to clean your AC’s filter every month, as a dirty filter will result in decreased cooling efficiency and greater energy consumption.

5. Properly Seal Doors and Windows: When cool air escapes through cracks and openings such as doors as windows, don’t forget to weather-strip and caulk. Moreover, close the damper to the fireplace when it’s not in use to prevent cool air from escaping.

How to Keep Your Server Room Cool

Server rooms are basically rooms that house computer servers, and in the information technology sector, the term is used to describe small arrangements of servers, as larger groups of servers are located in data centers. Because server rooms are at the heart of IT operations, efficient setup and proper operation is absolutely crucial in order to prevent hardware malfunction and system failure.

When computer equipment overheats, this affects the life and reliability of the machines themselves, causing poor performance, system crashing, and random reboots. As a result, with the increased power of servers, the heat issue comes to the forefront. Unfortunately, when equipment overheats, damage costs can be sky-high in terms of hardware replacement and even worker productivity. Therefore, providing adequate temperature control twenty-hours a day is a must due to constant heat generation, but the problem with relying on central air conditioning systems is the fact they that they are prone to shutoffs during the weekends. In addition, air conditioning units are complex and have a tendency to fail suddenly, and server rooms usually do not have easy window access, which makes finding a way to keep equipment even more difficult.

Thankfully, one highly efficient way of stabilizing server temperatures is through the use of a portable air conditioner. The installation of portable air conditioners can help minimize the length of system shutdowns and severity of component failures due to the fact that they are reliable, easy to use, compact, and can easily be moved from one area to the next.

As self-contained cooling units, one of the biggest benefits of a portable air conditioner is the fact that it doesn’t require any type of permanent installation. Most come equipped with casters, and as an added bonus, they also act as dehumidifiers and help remove moisture from the room. This prevents breakdown of plastic used in equipment and also prevents premature aging. When choosing a portable air conditioner for a server room, one crucial feature that should be kept in mind is an automatic restart function. This keeps the unit running continuously, even in the case of power failure.

One highly-recommended portable air conditioner that is suitable for a server room is the NewAir ACP-1400E. Complete with advanced features such as an automatic restart function and a verifiable 14,000 BTU’s of cooling power, this portable air conditioner can keep your server room cool and more. When not in air conditioning mode, this portable AC works either as a dehumidifier or air circulator, and has automatic or manually-adjusted louvers. As well, the ACP-1400E is quiet, includes a programmable timer, and consumes very little power. A UV light and built-in ionizer helps clean the air as it’s being cooled, and because it features a unique design, it can fit into even the tightest of spaces. At $539.95, this server room portable air conditioner is a great investment.

Household Fans Demystified

Fans are appliances that are used to produce airflow for the purpose of climate control, ventilation, or exhaust, and they can come in the form of any type of vane used for producing air currents.

Fans have been used since antiquity for applications such as personal comfort, climate control, removing dust, drying, and to provide drafts for fires. The first mechanical fans were those found in the Middle East in the 1500s called punkahs. These consisted of canvas-covered frames that were suspended from ceilings, and servants operated these primitive fans by pulling a rope connected to the frame to move the device back and forth.

It wasn’t until the late 1890s to the early 1920’s that fans were widely used. Combining both style and practicality, these fans were usually constructed of brass blades and cages. However, these fans were quite unsafe, as the cage openings were often big enough to fit fingers or an entire hand, and subsequently, it was common for people to suffer severe injuries as a result of their use.

Nonetheless, with the rise of the Industrial Revolution in the 1920s, mass-produced steel fans were made in many different shapes, sizes, and styles, and these devices became more affordable and accessible to homeowners across the country. Since then, fans have become more utilitarian, but they still provide cooling comfort for countless people around the world.

With that in mind, it should be noted that ceiling fans are some of the most popular among homeowners, and these are devices that are powered by hub-mounted rotating paddles which circulate air to produce a cooling effect. These fans are suspended from the ceiling and are used in the summer to provide cooling comfort. In addition, they are also often used in the winter in a reversed rotation to move warm air from the ceiling, down walls, and onto inhabitants in the room.

The following are some general questions commonly asked by consumers regarding household fans:

Q: What are “whole-house fans” and are they useful?
A: Whole house, or attic fans are types of fans that are installed in homes and designed to push hot air out. With the flip of a switch, they pull cooler air from the outside through open windows and send hot indoor air through an attic. These can result in a five degree temperature drop in as little as five minutes. They can also be used to ventilate a home whenever the outdoor air is cooler – typically when the sun sets.

If properly installed, a whole house can cost-effectively bring the temperature down in your home, and when in the market for such an appliance, look for one that will fit between your trusses. Also don’t forget to pay attention to your air volume requirements.

Q: Is a fan really more energy efficient than an air conditioner?
A: If you’re looking for more air movement, use a ceiling fan or even a regular portable fan instead of relying on your air conditioner’s blower. Because air conditioners run about 50% of the time in the hottest days of the summer, this can cost much more to operate than leaving your ceiling fan on 24 hours a day, 30 days a month.

Also, depending on an air conditioner’s blower can sometimes result in leaks in your duct system. In turn, this can add more heat to your home, as hot air from the attic will be introduced into the air stream.

Q: Why should I use a ceiling fan in the winter?
A: It’s important to understand the temperature in a room varies in layers – the air near the ceiling is always warmer than the air near the ground due to the rising of warm air. With that in mind, ceiling fans can push warm air near the ceiling down the ground, and as a result, the heating system is not overworked when warming a room.

To use a ceiling fan during the winter, be sure to set the fan to run in a clockwise direction, as this will push the air up against the ceiling and down to the walls. Doing so will often help slash your energy bill by as much as 10% in the winter.

Q: Why is it necessary to use an exhaust fan?
A: In addition to small leaks and cracks found around openings such as doors or windows, the duct work used to distribute warm or cool air in your home will always be prone to some degree of leakage.

How to Choose an Energy Efficient Home Appliance

When shopping for a home appliance, you may be tempted to make your selection based on price alone. While you may save money on the initial purchase price of the unit, you may end up spending more money in the long run if you buy a pricier option.

Many home appliances may the look the same on the outside, but they vary greatly in terms of energy-efficiency and operating costs, and the more energy efficient an appliance is, the less it will cost to run. The cost associated with owning an appliance is related to three crucial components: the initial price, the cost of maintenance and repairs, and the cost of operation. Moreover, for big-ticket appliances such as refrigerators or washing machines, figuring out this cost analysis is crucial. Follow these simple tips when shopping for energy-efficient appliances:

Take into account both the purchase price and estimated energy use when deciding which brand and model appliances to buy, but also keep in mind that more energy efficient models may cost more money.

Ask your local utility company if they offer any programs with cash rebates or other incentives that are aimed at encouraging consumers to purchase energy-efficient appliances.

Pay close attention to the Energy Guide label. With the exception of kitchen ranges, microwaves, dryers, the FTC requires that the black and yellow Energy Guide label be attached to all new appliances. The Energy Guide label will list the following specifications:

- The capacity of the unit.
- The estimated annual energy consumption of the model (for refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, clothes washers, and water heaters).
- The energy efficient rating (for air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces, boilers, pool heaters)
- The range of estimated annual energy consumption, or energy efficient rating

Look for the Energy Star logo, such as the one on the Amcor AHD65 dehumidifier. This is the symbol for energy efficiency, and the label was created by the EPA and U.S. Department of Energy to help consumers both save money and minimize pollution. When an appliance has an Energy Star logo, this signifies that it is significantly more energy efficient than minimum government standards, and this amount is different for each product rated.

It's Winter - What Are You Going to Do With Your Air Conditioner?

Even though it’s now winter, don’t neglect your air conditioner! Your air conditioner has been working hard all summer by moving air across its refrigerated coils to provide cooling comfort to your home, and by performing a few simple winterizing tasks, you can improve your air conditioner’s energy efficiency and extend its lifespan.

For Central Air Conditioners:
1. Begin by cleaning the condensing unit of debris by spraying the fan blades and condensing coils with a high-pressure hose.

2. Cover the condensing unit with some kind of breathable, waterproof cover designed for this purpose. If left exposed to the winter elements, the condensing unit can become damaged by debris and wet leaves, which can then lead to rusting and freezing of the internal components.

For Room Air Conditioners:
1. Storing your air conditioner in the winter protects it from the elements and also makes it easier to clean. Remove your air conditioner from the window mounting or wall and store it indoors. If the unit is hard to remove, you may have to alter the mounting bracket.

2. To stop drafts, seal the window opening or wall. If the unit is mounted in a window frame, close it and latch the window. However, if it’s mounted in the wall, cut a piece of plywood to fit over the opening and screw it in place. Create a thermal barrier by adding a piece of foam insulation, and make sure that snow and rain can’t collect.

3. Clean your air conditioner by removing both the inside and outside grills. Use warm water and a brush to remove any accumulated debris or dirt from the coils and fan, as debris often slows air movement and inhibits heat transfer between the surrounding air and coils.

4. If the air conditioner cannot be removed, at least try to clean it in place and purchase some kind of cover to protect it from the weather and to prevent winter drafts.

Are You Still Keeping Your New Year's Resolutions?

Celebrating the New Year has been in existence since antiquity. First observed in ancient Babylon approximately 4000 years ago, one popular New Year tradition has always been the making of resolutions. Here is a list of ten popular New Year’s resolutions – is yours on this list?

1. Lose Weight – Obesity has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke, as well as diabetes and cancer. It has been estimated that over sixty percent of adult Americans are either overweight or obese, and the number of overweight adolescents has tripled since 1980. Take this time to address any weight gain you may have accumulated over the year by getting more exercise. Take brisk walks after dinner, invest in a gym membership, or even look to purchasing home fitness equipment to win the battle of the bulge.
2. Improve Your Diet – Adequate physical activity and a proper diet are an unbeatable team when it comes to losing weight. While a complete diet overhaul may seem unnerving (and unrealistic) to many, small changes such as a reduction in portion sizes, choosing low-fat and high fiber foods, and drinking more water can be a start. Also look to eating out less and invest a Sunday or two a month in planning weekday menus. Instead of grabbing fast food during your lunch break, prepare your meals in advance, and perhaps invest in a small freezer to help you keep healthy choices handy.
3. Save Money – Money is oftentimes a big source of stress for many people. If putting aside money is one of your New Year’s Resolutions, resolve to get a handle on your finances by eliminating frivolous spending, setting a savings goal, and seeing where you can trim your expenses. Even small changes such as eating at home more often and turning down your thermostat a degree or two can yield significant savings over a few months time.
4. Get Out of Debt – If you have had past problems with debt, make some financial changes this year to help pave down that credit card balance and keep creditors at bay. Develop a budget, contact your creditors, and even consider credit counseling or debt consolidation from a reputable organization. Staying on track when it comes to your finances will repay itself many times over in the year ahead – particularly if you’re looking to finance a home or automobile.
5. Quit Smoking – Tobacco-related diseases are some of the biggest killers in the world today and are cited as one of the biggest causes of premature death in industrial countries. If you are hoping to stamp out your smoking habit this year, look to over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapy and smoking cessation classes to help you kick the habit.
6. Get Organized – Whether it’s organizing the home or cleaning up the office, organization is a goal that can be found on many New Year’s resolution lists. Fortunately, getting organized is simply a matter of developing good habits. Start small and survey your belongs: examine what you have, whether you need it, and how to store it. If your life is way too cluttered and you’re not sure where to start, hire a professional organizer to help you find peace in your home.
7. Volunteer – The holiday season often brings thoughts of giving back. Whether you choose to mentor a child, participate in a Breast Cancer Walk, or help out at your local library, nonprofit organizations can surely use your assistance. If you’re short on time, also consider donating clothes or furniture that you no longer need, or even contribute a cash donation to a charity.
8. Reduce Stress – Given the hectic lifestyles of millions of Americans, stress reduction has become a popular resolution. Try a new hobby, go to a theater performance, or treat yourself to a day at the spa. Stress can cause health problems such as anxiety, depression, and fatigue, or make problems worse if they’re not dealt with.
9. Educate Yourself – Vowing to make this year the year to learn something new? Whether you’re looking to take a photography class, want to learn a new language, or are considering a career change, education is one of the easiest and most motivational resolutions to keep. Contact your local community center or community college to see what adult education programs are available to you.
10. Drink Less Alcohol – The New Year can be an incentive to get drinking under control, and if you have decided that you want to moderate your drinking, a world of help and support is available. Ask your doctor and perhaps try discussing treatment-based programs or support groups to start the year on a healthy and happy note.

Some Americans May Be Expected to Borrow to Pay for their Energy Bills

We've all been hearing of how heating costs are slated to significantly increase this year, and according to a recent poll, for many Americans this may mean resorting to borrowing money and using credit cards just to be able to afford paying their heating bills.

Coincidentally, heating bills are rising at a time when utility companies across the country are now broadening their payment options for their customers, and this includes allowing credit cards to be used to pay for utility bills. However, while paying for living expenses with credit cards may be fine for those who can afford to pay off their balance every month, using a credit card to pay for an electric bill may not be a good idea for those who are prone to carrying a high revolving balance.

While more than 2/3 of the above poll’s participants stated that they would try to keep their energy bills low by turning down their thermostat or by using other sources of heat such as supplemental space heaters, Perry Sioshansi, president of Menlo Energy Economics, a San Francisco based energy consulting company, notes that Americans will need to make better, long-term changes when it comes to their energy consumption habits. In fact, Sioshansi notes, "We all need to make those decisions when we buy appliances, when we're replacing appliances. When the light bulb goes out, buy the more efficient kind and put it in, get the more-energy-efficient insulation for the walls…these are permanent things that improve the utilization of energy." Here are a few tips you can follow to keep your energy bill under control:

1. Set your thermostat as low as comfortable in the winter and as high as comfortable in the summer. By making small, one degree changes, you can save up to 3 percent on the day’s heating or cooling costs.
2. Use space heaters as supplemental sources of heat. When used intermittently, space heaters can result in pretty significant energy savings.
3. Regularly clean air registers, baseboard heaters, and radiators as needed.
4. Close drapes at night to help reduce any heat loss, and be sure to weatherize your home to prevent any unnecessary leaks.
5. Have a professional service your heating and cooling system once a year to ensure peak operational efficiency.

Also, instead of using credit cards to pay for utility bills, consumer credit counselors also urge the public to consider other utility payment options before borrowing to pay energy bills, including the following:

- Government assistance programs that offer grants to low and moderate income families to help subsidize heating bill costs.
- Reduced or delayed payment plans offered by utility companies to help customers budget energy expenses, including averaging payments over the course of the entire year to avoid getting hit with a large winter bill.
- Charitable programs sponsored by utility companies to help customers who are struggling with their bills.

In other words, using credit cards to pay for basic living expenses should only be your last option after all other avenues are explored and exhausted.

Turning Your Thermostat Down 1 Degree Can Equal Huge Savings

Earlier this week, Congress approved a new bill that would provide an additional $409 million to its Low Income Home Energy Assistance program, a program aimed at providing heating and cooling subsidies to those in financial need. Nevertheless, many political pundits are questioning whether this amount is enough, and home heating costs are still on the rise this winter.

Because home heating costs can account for more than half of a household’s energy bill, even seemingly small changes may result in substantial energy savings over the course of a season. In fact, many homeowners may not realize that simple adjustments to one’s thermostat will reduce winter heating needs by approximately 15% - a return many families may find well worth the small sacrifice in comfort.

Regardless of what type of heating system you have, a small reduction in your household’s temperature can make a huge difference in your fuel use. For every 1 degree Farenheit reduction you make, you can save 3 percent in total energy use - savings that will surely be welcomed during the holiday season.

In addition, you may not realize that your home may have uneven heating patterns. If this is the case, an energy expert may be able to help adjust your system to address uneven temperatures. If these adjustments prove to be insufficient or if you still need additional heat in your home but do not wish to utilize your central heating system, a portable space heater can be also be used to reduce the overall temperature in cold spots.

Save Money On Your Grocery Bill With a Freezer

Because the holiday season is just around the corner, many people may be paying closer attention to their finances. With holiday parties to attend and Christmas gifts to shop for, finding additional ways to save money may help with dwindling bank accounts and maxed out credit cards. However, many people may not realize that they experience substantial savings by simply paying attention to the contents of their refrigerator or freezer.

The average American household spends thousands a year on groceries, with 25 percent of that amount on fast food. While some people may keep detailed notes on every grocery item they regularly purchase and routinely note the price fluctuations at the stores they frequent, clipping coupons and tracking grocery prices is sure to give most people a headache. Fortunately, by making a few relatively small investments, the average family can save over $200 a month on groceries.

Many home economists and frugal shoppers can attest to the merits of a standalone freezer and an inexpensive vacuum sealer. Freezing food allows you to buy items in bulk, cook an entire week’s or month’s worth of meals at once, and eliminate impulse buys, therefore saving you time, and yes, money.

Buying in Bulk
Many warehouse stores like Costco and Sam’s Club can offer amazing deals, but buying in bulk in an attempt to save money doesn’t have to necessarily involve a membership to one of these discount stores, as you can easily stock up on great deals during sales at your local grocery store. If you don’t want to clip coupons, simply keep an eye out for weekly sale flyers from the bigger chains or look for these in your Sunday paper. Many savings can be had when purchasing items like meat and cheese, and these items are very easy to freeze.

Menu Planning
Shopping for groceries without a list (or on an empty stomach) can wreck havoc on your wallet. Instead, sit down once or twice a month and create a complete meal plan with an attached grocery list. Planning your purchases and menus greatly lessens impulse shopping and prevents you from purchasing costly and unhealthy convenience items such as frozen dinners and mixes. After your pantry is full, spend one or two days a month cooking your meals according to your menu plan, and place them in the freezer. When mealtime comes around, simply reheat and serve. Because your meals are already pre-cooked, this will save you both time and money, as you will also be less inclined to rely on fast food or delivered pizza.

Choosing the Right Size Freezer
In order to choose the right size freezer, consider what you plan on freezing and the size of your household. If you want to freeze a whole side of beef, then you may want a large 14 cubic foot freezer. However, for the average family, a compact freezer like the affordable Sunpentown UF-310W will be suitable. Keep in mind that a cubic foot of freezer space holds about 35 pounds of food, and some manufacturers even recommend calculating 1.5 cubic feet of space for each person eating at home. For even more savings, keep the freezer at least 2/3 full to conserve energy, but if this is not possible, freeze water in leftover milk containers and place them in the freezer. Also, if you are thinking of purchasing a second-hand freezer, consider buying a new model versus an older one, as the newer ones tend to be more energy efficient.

Get Ready for Sky-High Heating Oil Costs This Winter

With the colder months quickly approaching, those who use oil to heat their homes could be in for a brutal winter.

The National Energy Director's Association has estimated that the public can be expected to pay $1,834 for home heating oil this season - an increase of about $400 from 2006, or 30%. It has been noted that this increase is due to supplies and a price spike in oil prices which are now just under $81 a barrel.

Another key factor in these skyrocketing prices is the weather. At this time, long-range forecasters are noting that this winter will be colder than last year. In addition, the government's Energy Information Administration (EIA) has noted that oil prices will be going up.

Although only eight percent of the country uses heating oil, the Northeast will be the hardest hit, as oil is used in about 80 percent of all residences. However, despite this soar in prices, there are alternatives to using oil for heat:

Natural Gas - Natural gas customers will pay half of what oil customers pay - $881 - this winter. The only downside is that natural gas systems are expensive and can cost upwards of thousands of dollars to convert. Therefore, the initial cost of switching from oil to gas may be high.

Wood Burning or Gas Stove - These cost roughly $1,000 to $3,000 before installation (wood not included). If you choose this option, also expect to see your homeowner's insurance rates go up.

Space Heater - These are relatively inexpensive and work well for smaller areas, but the safety issue is something to keep in mind. The Newair Electric Fireplace is a great substitute for a wood-burning fireplace and costs pennies to operate.