In case you didn't already know, it was absolutely frigid in the United States earlier this week. But instead of adding to the over-saturation of sensational news stories regarding the "polar vortex" from frenzied media outlets and Facebook newsfeeds, we'd like to come away from these bone-chilling temperatures with a more constructive outlook. When the climate takes a sudden turn for the bitter cold, a serious question arises: How do we keep warm? For most people, the answer involves nothing more than running inside their home and cranking the thermostat to "high." But, for many reasons, the traditional oil-burning heating system is quickly becoming an outdated, expensive, and harmful means of keeping us toasty during the winter months. Burning oil as a source of heat is one of the greatest contributors to climate change. Not to mention, the fossil fuel is becoming increasingly unaffordable due to the high cost (and environmental impact) of production, while inefficient building designs make heating bills soar. But oil heating is not the only way to ensure a warm home. With some simple design solutions, alternative energy sources, and age-old methods of providing heat, the following strategies will help you ride out the deep freeze ...
In case you didn't already know, it was absolutely frigid in the United States earlier this week. But instead of adding to the over-saturation of sensational news stories regarding the "polar vortex" from frenzied media outlets and Facebook newsfeeds, we'd like to come away from these bone-chilling temperatures with a more constructive outlook. When the climate takes a sudden turn for the bitter cold, a serious question arises: How do we keep warm? For most people, the answer involves nothing more than running inside their home and cranking the thermostat to "high." But, for many reasons, the traditional oil-burning heating system is quickly becoming an outdated, expensive, and harmful means of keeping us toasty during the winter months. Burning oil as a source of heat is one of the greatest contributors to climate change. Not to mention, the fossil fuel is becoming increasingly unaffordable due to the high cost (and environmental impact) of production, while inefficient building designs make heating bills soar. But oil heating is not the only way to ensure a warm home. With some simple design solutions, alternative energy sources, and age-old methods of providing heat, the following strategies will help you ride out the deep freeze ...