Fixing Frozen Car Doors

1.  Chip away ice from the cracks of the door and the door lock. Sometimes a thin layer of ice is all it takes to prevent the door from opening.

2.  Unlock the door. If the lock is frozen, hold your key over a lighter for 15 seconds to heat it up, and insert the key into the lock. It may take more than one attempt to completely thaw it out. If the door still won't open, move on to the next step.

3.  Pour windshield wiper fluid into the cracks of the door and on the door handle, where the seals can freeze over in harsh conditions. Since the cracks are small, only a very thin layer of ice can form, so it doesn't take much effort to melt it.

4.  Hook up a hair dryer to an extension cord and blow hot air into the cracks of the door and the handle until the ice melts. Be cautious about blowing hot air onto a cold window, as the extreme temperature fluctuation could cause it to crack.

(Information provided by eHow.com)

Cold Weather Safety Tips

Safety tips for the upcoming polar vortex with very frigid temperatures to hit the Midwest this next week:

AS THIS COLD OUTBREAK APPROACHES...PLEASE REMEMBER THESE TIPS:

* NEVER VENTURE OUTDOORS WITHOUT WEARING GLOVES...A HAT AND SEVERAL
LAYERS OF CLOTHING. WIND CHILL VALUES SUNDAY AND MONDAY COULD LEAD
TO FROSTBITE IN LESS THAN 30 MINUTES IF PROPER PRECAUTIONS ARE NOT
TAKEN.

* RUN WATER AT A TRICKLE AND KEEP CABINET DOORS OPEN TO PREVENT PIPES
FROM FREEZING

* NEVER USE A STOVE OR OVEN TO HEAT YOUR HOME OR USE AN OPEN FLAME TO
MELT FROZEN PIPES. MANY HOUSE FIRES RESULT FROM THESE PRACTICES.

* CHECK TIRE PRESSURE AND YOUR CAR BATTERY. BE SURE YOUR CAR HAS A
WINTER SAFETY KIT THAT INCLUDES A BLANKET...WARM CLOTHES AND
GLOVES IN CASE YOUR CAR BREAKS DOWN OR BECOMES STRANDED.

* TAKE EXTRA STEPS TO KEEP YOUR PET WARM AND KNOW ITS LIMITS TO COLD.
WHIMPERING...SHIVERING OR SLOWING DOWN COULD BE SIGNS OF HYPOTHERMIA.

Electricity Saving Tips

  

• Upgrade to a Digital Thermostat:

Upgrading your thermostat from analog to digital will give you better temperature control and allow you to program the desired temperature during different parts of the day. Whether it is summer, winter, fall or spring, programming your thermostat to predetermined temperatures can help conserve energy usage and save you money on your electric bill each month.

•     Adjust or Upgrade the Water Heater:

Approximately 20 percent of your electric bill comes from hot water heating. Try experimenting with your water heater temperature settings by turning the temperature down to 110 degrees (120 degrees is normal). Most people will not be able to tell much of a difference in the water temperature, and the reduced heat setting will save you money month after month. Upgrading to a solar-powered or tankless hot water heater will also make a large impact on your bill. Consider this option if it fits in your budget; remember, it is an investment, not an expense.  Your television, computer, and other electronic devices use electricity when they are plugged in, even if the device is turned off. Consider getting a surge protector for electrical items or unplugging them when they are not in use. Plugged in electronics can add around 10 percent to your energy bill when not in use.

•     Upgrade Light Bulbs to CFLs:

 With the extended life of CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Lamps) and the energy savings associated with them, there is little wonder why many people have upgraded their lighting to them. CFLs can last up to 15 times longer than incandescent light bulbs and consume much less energy. By upgrading your lighting to CFLs, you can save 10 to 15 percent on your monthly energy bill.

Those these are cheap fixes, they will greatly reduce the amount of money flowing out of the budget each month.