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November 2008 News
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Let there be light! Now that Daylight Savings Time is over and
winter's on its way, it's getting darker earlier and staying darker
longer. Working streetlights are more important at this time of year than
ever. If you observe any streetlights or common area lights that aren't
working in your community, please notify your community manager so they
can get that light working again.
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Green Tip O'The Month! With rising prices and increasing evidence
of global climate change, we're all doing what we can to save energy and
cut costs. Even with our computers, which don't use as much energy as the
real energy hogs our homes (like our refrigerators), doing what we can to
curb wasted energy use can make a difference.
For most of us, that means using the Sleep mode on our computer to make it
shut down after a period of inactivity. But there are
some great -- and fun!-- options out there to manage your computer
even more efficiently.
Check out our
Sustainability page for more tips on
how easy it is being green!
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Hurry, winter's on its way! We were
spoiled by the lovely October that was unusually warm and unusually dry. But
Nature is making up for lost time and November will be considerably colder
and wetter. So if you didn't take advantage of all that pleasant weather to
get your house in order, it's time to get it done. Sure, it's not anyone's
idea of a good time, but you'll appreciate the energy and money it saves
you, not to mention prolonging the health and life of your home. In fact, we
think it's so important that we've put together a simple list to help you.
Seal Leaks
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Add or replace worn weather-stripping around
doors and windows.
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Caulk gaps where necessary.
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Replace worn door stops at the bottom of
doors.
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If you have them, install storm doors and
windows. Don't forget to winterize basement windows.
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Replace old windows with energy efficient
windows.
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Use caulking and weather-stripping around
entry points for all pipes and ducts that travel through an exterior wall.
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Install insulating kits behind electrical
plugs that are on a wall with an exterior side.
Insulation
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Proper attic insulation keeps your home
warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
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If it has one, replace the furnace filter.
Make future replacements as needed or directed by your furnace manufacturer.
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Consider installing a setback thermostat. It
regulates the temperature, allowing the home to be cooler when you are away
or asleep.
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Fill oil or propane tanks.
Fireplace
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Have the chimney inspected and cleaned.
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Close the fireplace damper when not in use.
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Read more about wood burning fireplaces and
gas log fireplaces.
Roof
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Replace loose shingles.
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Make sure the flashing around the chimney or
vent pipes is watertight.
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Check the bricks and mortar.
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Install a screen at the top of the chimney
to keep leaves and other items out.
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Clean drain gutters and point downspouts
away from the house.
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Trim tree limbs that are hanging over or
touching the roof.
Plumbing
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Take care of known issues with pipes that
freeze. Heat tape can be used to keep them warm during extremely cold
weather.
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Learn how to turn off water at its source so
that you can stop leaks immediately if they start.
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Drain water from outdoor faucets when you
think a hard freeze is coming.
Outdoor Items
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Check the foundation and siding for cracks
or gaps. Repair as necessary.
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Drain garden hoses, roll them up, and store
them inside.
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Close and cover the swimming pool.
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Prune shrubbery and add mulch to perennial
flower beds.
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Cover outdoor furniture or store it inside.
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