home improvement
Be Ready for Winter Weather: 5 tips to prep your home for cold, wet conditions
Americans should brace for a potentially cold and wet winter, according to NOAA and this year’s Farmer’s Almanac Winter Outlook. That means now is a perfect opportunity to think about preparing your family and home for the colder months ahead.
Last Updated on November 30, 2024 by Daily News Staff
(Family Features) Americans should brace for a potentially cold and wet winter, according to NOAA and this year’s Farmer’s Almanac Winter Outlook. That means now is a perfect opportunity to think about preparing your family and home for the colder months ahead.
From heating homes with a high-performing furnace or fireplace to keeping children warm and comfortable on school buses, propane can help keep families cozy this winter.
Relying on a diverse energy mix – including propane, solar and wind – can help ensure you’re prepared for whatever winter brings and reduce the strain on the fragile electric grid. Plus, propane is a stable energy source that is stored on-site and can keep homes operating during severe weather or utility power interruptions. Using propane also produces 43% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than an equivalent amount of electricity generated from the grid.
Get winter-ready with these tips from the experts at the Propane Education & Research Council:
Have Your Furnace Serviced. Proactively think about ways you can reduce the demand on your heating system. In addition to scheduling routine maintenance by a trained professional, there are a few things homeowners can do. First, open all air vents and make sure they are uncovered as blocked airflow forces the furnace to work harder.
Check the thermostat to ensure it’s working properly by increasing the temperature by 5 F and waiting to hear the furnace turn on. Consider setting the thermostat a couple degrees cooler than what might feel comfortable as doing so not only saves money but lessens the load from your furnace. Keep thermostats at 65 F during the day and 55 F at night, closing off rooms that don’t need to be heated.
Using a programmable thermostat can save homeowners as much as 10% per year on heating costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. It’s also a good idea to replace air filters every 1-3 months to help keep your furnace working efficiently and effectively.
Upgrade Your Furnace. If it’s time to upgrade your home’s climate control system, it’s a smart idea to do your homework and explore your options. There are several state and federal incentive programs to help homeowners upgrade their current systems to a clean energy option like propane. Propane is an affordable, comfortable, reliable and efficient energy source. It’s also a clean, low-carbon option. What’s more, propane-powered furnaces last 50% longer than electric heat pumps, which means a lower lifetime investment. Propane furnaces also provide warmer air than other heat sources (115-125 F), are less impacted by outdoor temperatures and produce 50% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than electric furnaces and 12% less than fuel oil furnaces.
Rethink Your Boiler System. For a home that runs on a boiler system, you can make upgrades that improve performance while providing space savings and the versatility to provide heating, hot water and even snow melt. High-efficiency propane boilers can last up to 30 years and have significantly lower emissions than those fueled by heating oil.
Take Advantage of Your Fireplace. The warm glow of a fire isn’t only comforting; it can be a practical and effective way to increase the heat inside your home. Not only do propane fireplaces offer 5-6 times the heating capacity of electric fireplaces, they’re also more energy efficient, environmentally friendly, convenient to use and easier to install than woodburning models. They also emit less soot and other emissions.
Be Efficient with Water Heating. Water heating can be a large expense, accounting for 14-18% of home utility bills, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Set your water heater no higher than 120 F and install low-flow shower heads or temperature-sensitive shower valves to reduce energy consumption. High-performance propane tankless water heaters can reduce a home’s energy consumption because it only heats the water when you need it, ultimately saving you money.
Find more tips to prepare your home for winter weather at Propane.com.
Preparing for Winter Storms
Before, during and after a storm, consider these key factors to help keep your family and home as safe as possible.
Have an Adequate Propane Supply
Discuss the possibility of scheduling regular winter visits with your propane supplier so you always have an adequate supply of propane in your tank. This can reduce your chances of running empty in times of heavy snowfall when roads may be inaccessible for delivery.
Create an Emergency Plan
Work with your family to create a plan in the event of a winter storm. Gather contact information for emergency services and utility companies, including your local propane supplier, along with instructions for turning off your propane, electricity and water. If you turn off your propane, contact a service technician to inspect your system before turning it back on.
Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Because carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that is highly poisonous, the International Association of Fire Chiefs recommends installing a carbon monoxide detector listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) on every level of your home, including the basement. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding installation, location and maintenance.
Plan for Communications
Keep a battery-powered radio handy, so you always have a way to receive updates on weather conditions. As storms approach, it’s also smart to charge your smartphone to use as an additional tool for communication through a power outage. Purchasing a propane generator is another option to ensure you always have reliable power, even during blackouts.
Inspect Damage Cautiously
If a storm causes harm to your property, be careful when assessing damage. Downed power lines, damaged gas lines and dislodged propane tanks can lead to dangerous situations. In the dark, use a flashlight instead of candles to avoid combustion if there is a leak.
Call the Experts in Dangerous Situations
Your utility company, fire department and propane supplier have expert training to handle your home’s systems in potentially dangerous situations. Additionally, if a storm damages your property, it’s a good idea to have a qualified service technician perform a complete inspection of your propane system to look for damage.
SOURCE:
Propane Education & Research Council
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Last Updated on January 10, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Understanding Thread Counts
(Family Features) Many companies use thread count to make their sheets more appealing and luxurious, but a bigger number doesn’t always mean a good buy. Before you reach into your wallet, consider these truths about thread counts.
A thread count is a scientific term with strict federal standards on how the threads are counted. Simply put, it measures the number of threads woven together per square inch, counted lengthwise and widthwise. A 400-thread count sheet will have 200 threads lengthwise and 200 widthwise.
When a sheet has a count of 150, it is considered a muslin fabric, which isn’t all that soft to the touch. Any count of 180 or above is considered high quality, but anything beyond 400 is likely to only signify a higher price tag.
However, a sheet with a thread count of 200 can be softer to the touch than one with a 400 thread count. The quality of sheets depends not only on the thread count, but on the quality of fibers within those threads as well. Many stores and manufacturers tout Egyptian cotton as the best because of its long, strong fibers, which are more durable than most other cottons. Another high-quality cotton type is pima, also known for its extra-long fibers.
When shopping for new sheets, make sure you are looking at both the thread count and the quality. Look for a count between 200-400 and make sure the fabric quality is high to ensure you get the best bang for your buck, as well as a comfortable night’s sleep.
Find more tips for selecting linens and other home goods at eLivingtoday.com.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
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Family Features
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home improvement
Create a Cozy, Inviting Living Room This Winter
Inviting Living Room: Turning your living room ñ the hub of seasonal entertaining ñ into a winter retreat can be simple with a few thoughtful updates. From the color palette and textiles to lighting and subtle seasonal accents, these ideas can help you create a space that feels warm and inviting, even on the chilliest of days.
Create a Cozy, Inviting Living Room This Winter
(Family Features) Turning your living room – the hub of seasonal entertaining – into a winter retreat can be simple with a few thoughtful updates. From the color palette and textiles to lighting and subtle seasonal accents, these ideas can help you create a space that feels warm and inviting, even on the chilliest of days. Embrace a Winter Color Scheme Start with a warm, neutral color palette featuring creams, taupe, ivory, beige and soft grays then layer in deeper greens, muted blues or charcoal for contrast. Accent pieces such as pillows, throws and vases in matching rich tones or muted metallics can help the room feel like a cozy retreat from the cold outside without overwhelming your existing decor. Stick to your chosen color palette but vary texture and mix solids with subtle patterns like stripes or checks. Layer Cozy Textiles One of the easiest ways to dial up winter comfort is layering textiles. Drape knit or faux fur throw blankets over sofas and chairs, stack extra blankets in a basket or on a ladder shelf near the seating area and switch out lighter pillow covers for winter-friendly fabrics such as velvet, wool or sweater knit. On the floor, layer a smaller, softer rug over your existing area rug for extra warmth underfoot. Create a Seasonal Focal Point Your coffee table is the perfect focal point for winter decor. Start with a tray or shallow bowl then mix in a candle or two and other decorative elements such as books, wooden beads, pinecones or glass jars filled with fairy lights. Keeping the arrangement simple allows the table to remain functional for everyday use while still feeling seasonally intentional. Set the Mood with Lighting Shorter winter days mean less natural light floods your living space. Soften the glow with warm white bulbs in floor and table lamps then layer candles – real or flameless – on the mantel, coffee table or console for a cozy atmosphere. Add a Touch of Nature Bringing a touch of the outdoors in can give decor a fresh, grounded feel. Consider incorporating evergreen branches, pinecones, bare twigs, eucalyptus and dried stems for an understated nod to the landscape beyond your windows. Pair these natural elements with a grouping of houseplants in woven baskets, wood trays or stone pots to complete the organic, wintery look. Visit eLivingtoday.com for more seasonal decorating inspiration. Photo courtesy of ShutterstockDiscover more from Daily News
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Last Updated on January 4, 2026 by Daily News Staff
(Family Features) After the mortgage, utility costs, including electricity, likely make up one of the most significant portions of monthly budgets for the typical American household. In fact, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average residential electric bill in the United States is $143.
However, reducing your family’s energy costs is possible by following some smart, practical, cost-cutting tips from the heating and cooling experts at Mitsubishi Electric. Consider these ways to help dial down your energy bills.
Service HVAC Systems Regularly
To ensure the best performance and efficiency possible, find a licensed contractor to keep your heating and cooling system well-maintained and serviced throughout the year. There are some tasks many homeowners can handle on their own, like keeping outdoor units free of debris and changing air filters. Some filters are removable and washable, saving you money. However, bringing in a professional 1-2 times a year for maintenance and to ensure proper function of ductwork and electrical components is also essential.
Use Appliances During Non-Peak Hours
Rather than using stoves, ovens and clothing dryers in the afternoon hours, consider doing so early in the morning or late in the evening. Peak time for many electricity providers is noon-6 p.m., meaning using these appliances outside of this timeframe when conventional heating and cooling systems are likely running full throttle can help lower energy costs.
Upgrade Your System
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) incentivizes homeowners that opt for energy-efficient air-conditioning and heating options to replace fossil-fuel-fired furnaces. This includes upgrading your existing HVAC system to a qualified heat pump. For example, Mitsubishi Electric heat pumps provide more energy-efficient cooling and heating that equals cost and energy savings as well as a reduced carbon footprint for homeowners.
Installing a smart electrical panel alongside an all-electric heat pump enables homeowners to monitor and control energy consumption on-site or remotely using a smartphone for better overall efficiency and utility cost savings.
Harness the Sun’s Energy with Solar Panels
According to the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, the amount of sunlight that strikes the Earth’s surface in 90 minutes could power the world’s total energy usage for a full year. Investing in solar panels can help decrease energy bills and increase your home’s sustainability. Additionally, some utility providers and government entities, including the IRA, offer incentives to help reduce installation costs.
Avoid Heating or Cooling Unused Spaces
One mistake many homeowners make is forgetting to adjust their temperature settings when leaving the house. Whether you’re headed out for the weekend or just headed to work for the day, running your system in an empty house can result in unnecessarily high utility bills.
Multi-zone, all-electric heat pumps like those from Mitsubishi Electric allow homeowners to set the comfort level and adjust the temperature in each room, reducing the energy waste of cooling unoccupied rooms. With a smartphone app, you can even adjust the settings remotely.
Find more ways to increase energy savings while making your home more sustainable by visiting MitsubishiComfort.com.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
SOURCE:
Mitsubishi Electric
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