Saving for the winter ahead

Dear Readers: The change in seasons is the perfect time to consider your home and look for ways to save money on your energy bills. Here are some hints to help:

Inspections are critical. The heating and cooling systems and filters should be looked at by your heating and air-conditioning company. Windows are a big source of air leakage, and a foam sealant can fill in cracks. This could be a do-it-yourself project with some ideas from the home-improvement center.

Check your refrigerator, too. Run the vacuum hose attachment over the rear coils, and keep the bottom dust-free. Wipe out the gasket and check for cracks, too.

These hints will help keep your home energy-efficient for the cold winter months ahead. Check with your utility company for even more ideas.—Heloise

WHAT’S YOUR SIGN?

Dear Heloise: Homeowners should make sure their address is easily visible from the street. I have had to call friends to ensure I was at the correct house because the house number was not visible at night.

This could be a potentially dangerous situation if an emergency response vehicle (e.g., ambulance, police, fire company) had to take extra time to find your address.—Beatrice G., Hazleton, Pa.

Check with your city government to see what it recommends and for hints on painting your house number on the curb.—Heloise

EXTRA BUTTON

Hi, Heloise: I enjoy your column. Whenever I buy an article of clothing with an extra button included, I write a description of the article and the month and year I bought it on the price tag, and staple it to the little bag containing the button.

I keep all of these in a box. Every year or two, I go through the box and pull any buttons for articles to go to donation. This method also helps me find the extra button I need quickly.— Karen D. in San Antonio

Great attention to detail, Karen!—Heloise

SOLAR LIGHTS

Dear Heloise: I wanted to do something special for my beloved mother when she passed away; silk flowers fade quickly.

I found twinkling solar lights, and I thought this was the perfect thing to put by her headstone. The twinkling of the lights in the evening made a joyful sight.—Helen J., Columbus, Ohio

My condolences on the loss of your precious mom, Helen. Moms are the best. Readers, how do you honor your parents who have passed on?—Heloise

LEAVE A MESSAGE!

Dear Heloise: Why do people call and not leave a message? I may just be in the yard, with the dog outside or in the shower. Please leave me a message!—A Reader, Youngstown, Ohio