A common misconception is that older buildings are less energy efficient than modern construction when in fact the United States General Services Administration reports that the energy costs for federal buildings built before 1920 use 27% less energy than modern federal buildings.  There are a few passive measures you can complete yourself to reduce your energy usage by up to 30%.

• Install programmable thermostats - lower temperature when no one is at home or at night.
• Changing to more energy efficient light bulbs (CFL, LED, or Magnetic Induction lighting) - 10% of energy usage is spent on lighting
• Using operable windows - optimizing the original design
• Service mechanicals regularly

The Energy Star Federal tax credits expire December 31, 2010 - more information can be found at www.energystar.gov.  The categories for the 30% of the cost up to $1,500 tax credit are:

• Biomass stoves
• Insulation
• Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems
• Windows and doors
• Water heaters (non-solar)
• Roofs (metal and asphalt)

The federal tax credits for alternative energy systems do not expire until December 31, 2010 - they have different qualifications and upper limits.

• Geothermal heat pumps
• Solar energy systems
• Small wind turbines (residential)
• Fuel cells (residential fuel cell and mircoturbine system)

The cold season will soon be upon us - feel free to use this remedy from The Domestic Cookery of Elizabeth Elliott Lea copyrighted in 1846.  Any misspellings are hers - I wish I could say that all the time.

For a Cough.

"Take a wine glass of the juice of the green hoar-hound, or if that cannot be obtained, a strong decoction from the dry herb will answer; mix it in half a pint of new milk, sweetened either with sugar or honey; take this half an hour before breakfast.  It has been known to cure obstinate coughs, and persons that have taken it for four weeks or more, have gained strength and flesh, and the pain in the breast was relieved.  Flannel should be worn."