hBig and small ways to save energy

hBig and small ways to save energy

Serious energy savers and casual cost-cutters can both find ideas in “Cut Your Energy Bills Now: 150 Smart Ways to Save Money & Make Your Home More Comfortable & Green.”

The author, energy-efficiency expert Bruce Harley, examines the typical home and suggests improvements and methods to use energy more wisely. His recommendations include simple steps such as matching pans to stove burners as well as more complex or costly ideas such as installing a whole-house fan.

He also helps readers find qualified contractors and points them in the direction of financial help for big projects.

“Cut Your Energy Bills Now” is published by the Taunton Press and sells for $12.95 in softcover.

Gutter project easy to install

This gutter-protection system is designed to be easy for even inexperienced do-it-yourselfers to install.

GutterStuff is a foam insert that fits into your home’s gutters, allowing water to flow through but keeping out leaves and other debris. It fits completely inside a 5-inch K style gutter, the most common style and size on the market.

It’s made of a polyether outdoor foam that the manufacturer says won’t crumble or dent.

GutterStuff is available at hardware stores, including many Ace and True Value stores. It also can be ordered from the Ace Web site (www.acehardware.com) as well as Do it Best (doitbest.com), ABC Supply Co. (www.abccatalog.com) and Big Rock Supply (www.bigrocksupply.com).

The suggested retail price is $15.99 per 4-foot section.

ChiliPad adjusts mattress temperature

Don’t you hate it when your mattress is either too hot or too cold?

The ChiliPad might be able to fight this battle for you.

Using advances in semiconductor technology similar to the kind used to cool computers, ChiliPad can generate a temperature change from 46 to 118 degrees Fahrenheit in your mattress.

You can reach your desired temperature throughout the night — which can improve your sleep patterns and save money on your electricity bill.

The silent motor (less than 45 decibels) has been designed to fit standard bed frames and is controlled in 1-degree increments using a hand-held remote.

The single-zone option allows you to cool or heat the entire surface of the bed, while the dual zone adjusts each side of the bed so that your spouse can be comfortable also.

Cost starts at $439.

For more information, visit mychilipad.com.

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