Older homes, which are abundant in the North Shore, constantly need upkeep and ongoing maintenance.  If  your home is older than 10 years, you may need to invest in some weatherproofing maintenance. 

Finally going "green" is a popular thing - not just something to be joked about.  And it's also popular right now to be more frugal, which is itself a form of environmentalism.  So with those two things in mind, I offer some suggestions for warming up the house and saving some money:

1. Maintain your HVAC System - To keep it running at peak efficiency, it should be serviced at least once a year by a qualified technician.  And open your curtains on south facing windows of your home to let the sun warm naturally.
2. Install a programmable thermostat - How often have you heard this?  As a realtor, I go into many homes with the old fashioned round dial thermostat - set at  whatever temp for the entire day.  Programming allows for instant personalization set to your needs and schedule.
3. Check all around your windows for crumbling or graying caulk.  You can easily buy exterior caulk and line them yourself and hire a pro.  Also check around your dryer and other exterior vents.
4. Unplug all unused appliances such as toasters, televisions, hot rollers, fax machines, printers,  etc.  They all drain power when turned off but plugged in.  They really do.
5. Clean your dishwasher drains and filters regularly.  I found this out the hard way - yuck!  It won't drain properly with all that gunk in there.
6. Wash your clothes in cold water.  I've just started doing it and can't tell a difference!
7. Fix leaky faucests - wasted water costs money
8. Dispose of that old  refrigerator in the basement.  Unless you have teenagers or entertain
9. frequently, its inefficiency will just cost you.
10. Close doors and shut off registers to unused rooms.  Lay a towel or special rope at the bottom of the door.  Why pay to heat or cool empty or unused rooms.  The redirected air will then travel to rooms that are more used.
11. Turn off the lightbulbs! Leaving lights on in rooms or areas where you intend to return, but never do, is an energy waster.  Get in the habit of turning it off if you're not going to be in there.  And while you're at it, replace with new energy-efficient ones.  You can get them free at the Winnetka Village Hall for free while supplies last.

None of the above listed tips are revolutionary.  In fact, you've probably read them somewhere else before.  But times are changing and these are just baby steps to help us get jump started and living more GREEN.

For more great information on energy and savings, visit:  www.TheDollarStretcher.com .