Birds fly south in the winter; people shop for winter wardrobes, weatherize their homes and even prepare their cars for protection against cold weather. When preparing for dropping temperatures, it is equally important keep dogs warm and safe. While many dogs live outdoors in kennels or in doghouses, there are ways to keep them warm and safe from the elements, even in such shelters. Arthritic dogs, especially, should be given special attention in cold weather and dog clothes or other protective devices should be used to keep them warm day and night.
Decorative gel fireplaces are nice to look at, but aren�t considered legitimate heating devices.At approximately $5000, the outdoor furnace is your least expensive option. A quality 1,800 watt wind turbine and tower can be purchased for $7,000. If geothermal is your system of choice, a new 3,000 sq. ft. home can be heated and cooled for around $20,000. Rebates and tax credits could reduce this amount substantially.If you live in high humidity Alabama, the less expensive and environmentally friendly swamp cooler will never be a viable substitute for central air conditioning.Solar for hot water is on the rise in urban areas. A neighbor of mine in the Port Norfolk section of Boston recently installed a solar array on the roof of his two family home. His contractor did a first rate job and it doesn�t detract from the visual appeal of his house at all. He also says his hot water bill now costs him �chump change�.With so much room to work with, you could easily design a CHP (Combined Heat and Power Unit) and heat your home for 70% less than fuel oil.One Connecticut pellet stove dealer I spoke with said he sold so many wood pellet and corn stoves last winter he was forced to temporarily close one of his two stores for lack of product.Check with your local building department to find out exactly which alternative heating appliances are permitted before you start shopping for the best deal.Wood burning stoves have been used in urban areas for as long as I can remember.I bought my first air tight stove in 1976. Corn and wood pellet stoves are quickly gaining acceptance as new installations or replacements for existing wood stoves.The choices for alternative heating are plentiful no matter where you live. It�s just a matter of knowing where you fit in.An enjoyable activity like cooking seems harmless but it is actually topping the list of causes of home fires, which at times result to injuries and deaths. While we cannot (and should not) avoid cooking, we should strive to keep safety on our side. Simple things like cleaning grease on stove or checking propane grills can go a long way in ensuring a home safe from fire. Having devices like smoke alarms and fire extinguishers should also be considered. Lastly, have a qualified electrician check your wirings, circuit breakers, and other electrical connections especially if you notice any problem with it.A dog's temperature is always slightly warmer than the average human's temperature. When forecasts get too chilly, a few special precautions are all that's generally needed to make sure that you and your dog are comfortable on winter days.Dogs with Special Needs:
A dog's temperature is always slightly warmer than the average human's temperature. When forecasts get too chilly, a few special precautions are all that's generally needed to make sure that you and your dog are comfortable on winter days.
Author: Kelly Marshall
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