Save money on your energy bill this winter by Winterizing your home.

Did you know....there are many things you can do to help keep your home warm in the winter?

• If you have a fireplace, close the damper and seal the opening shut when not in use.
• If you used the oven to cook dinner, leave the oven door cracked open when done to let heat escape.
• Close the vents and doors to rooms less used.
• Put up storm doors.
• Use do-it-yourself plastic-film storm windows.
• Make sure doors and windows are properly sealed.
• Purchase a door draft stopper for any doors that tend to let in cold air (outside, base­ment, to the garage, etc.).
• Make sure the attic has adequate insulation.
• Inspect your furnace filters monthly during the winter months and clean or replace more often if needed. Build up on filters means your furnace works harder.
• Install a programmable thermostat and set it to lower the temperature at night and while away.
• Wear sweaters, heavy socks and warmer clothing while home.
• Insulate your pipes and hot water heater.
• Purchase thicker, heavier drapes for the winter months and keep them closed in the eve­ning and throughout the night.
• Place rugs on your hardwood floors.

Helpful Links:
http://homebuying.about.com/od/buyingahome/qt/92607_WinterHom.htm
http://realestate.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=13107899
http://www.thedailygreen.com/green-homes/latest/winterize-home-tips-energy-461008


*Info courtsey of Commonwealth Title.

Happy Holidays,
John & Karl

What to do this winter....

Local Happenings
1st       Maple Valley Holiday Lighting               www.ci.maple-valley.wa.us             Lynnwood Lights Celebration               www.snohomish.org 1-5       Victorian Country Christmas                 www.avictoriancountrychristmas.com 1-30     Issaquah Reindeer Festival                  www.cougarmountainzoo.org 3rd       Mountlake Terr. Tree Lighting               www.ci.mountlake-terrace.wa.us              Vashon Island Tree Lighting                 www.vashonchamber.com  4th       Auburn Parade & Tree Lighting            www.ci.auburn.wa.us              Country Village Tree Lighting               www.countryvillagebothell.com             Burien Winterfest                                 www.burienwa.gov             Federal Way Jingle Bell Brunch            www.cityoffederalway.com             Gig Harbor Tree Lighting                      www.gigharborguide.com             Kent Winterfest & Tree Lighting            www.ci.kent.wa.us              Merrysville for the Holidays                  www.ci.marysville.wa.us              Mill Creek Tree Lighting                       www.cityofmillcreek.com             Mukilteo Tree Lighting                          www.mukilteochamber.org              Puyallup Breakfast with Santa              www.cityofpuyallup.org              Redmond Lights Winter Festival           www.ci.redmond.wa.us              Renton Holiday Tree Lighting               www.piazzarenton.com              Woodinville Light Festival                     www.ci.woodinville.wa.us 5th       Home for Hanukkah Celebration           www.sjcc.org 22nd    Everett Wintertide                                www.everettwa.org
		

Winter Driving & Helpful Northwest Websites

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Winter Driving As the NW prepares for a harsher winter, it’s important to review safety tips for driving in heavy rain, snow and ice.
Get your car prepared Check your tire tread and replace tires if needed. Take your car in for a tune-up. Make sure windshield wipers are in good condition. Have your battery tested if you’ve had if for more than 4 years. Many auto shops will per­form this service for free. Keep emergency supplies in your car including: road flares, spare tire and jack, jumper cables, tire chains, blankets, gloves, water and flashlights. Buy a snow shovel. Purchase an ice melt product. Salt can ruin your driveways, walkways, landscaping and the run-off can pollute reservoirs and streams. Ice melt products are better for your home and the environment. During the winter season Keep your gas tank fuller, you don’t want to run out of gas during the cold weather sea­son. Keep your cell phone with you at all times and make sure it’s fully charged. Give yourself extra time in the morning to fully defrost your windows before you set out. Frosted windows severely limit your ability to see. Drive with your lights on so you are more visible to other cars and pedestrians. Bridges, overpasses and side streets tend to freeze first… take extra caution with these roads. Decrease your speed during heavy rain, snow or icy conditions and leave plenty of room between you and the car in front of you.  Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels lock up, gently ease off the brake pedal. Avoid making sudden movements with your steering wheel. Try to keep your tires straight. Do not use cruise control.
Helpful websites The holiday season is around the corner.  These websites will help you get ready and keep you informed!
Traffic Alerts & Road Conditions       www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/       www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes/       www.traffic.com/seattle Weather       http://www.cpc.noaa.gov/       http://www.weather.com/       http://www.wunderground.com/       http://www.farmersalmanac.com/ Mountain Information       http://www.nwac.us/       www.skireport.com/washington Local News and Information       http://www.komonews.com/       http://www.king5.com/       http://www.kirotv.com/       http://www.q13fox.com/       www.portofseattle.org/seatac       http://www.schoolreport.org/ Local Tree Farms       http://www.pscta.org/        http://www.pickyourownchristmastree.org/       http://www.nwtrees.com/ Local Food Banks       www.commerce.wa.gov/maps/       http://www.emergencyfeeding.org/       http://www.homelessshelterdirectory.org/ Recipe Sites       http://www.foodnetwork.com/       http://www.cookinglight.com/       http://www.allrecipes.com/       http://www.epicurios.com/