QUESTION: My windows are not the most efficient. I am redecorating my home and I thought about installing insulating window shades and curtains. Will these help much and what types are the most energy efficient?ANSWER: Inefficient windows are a significant area of heat loss in a home and can increase your monthly utility bills. When the window glass surface gets cold, your body radiates heat to it making you feel chilly even in a reasonably warm room.This often results in someone's setting the furnace thermostat at little higher and this wastes even more energy.Installing insulated shades or curtains is an excellent method, especially since you are already planning to redecorate, to improve the efficiency of old windows and your comfort. The insulation value of typical single-pane windows is R-1 and double-pane windows is R-2. The best insulated window shades can increase this by more than R-6. They also reduce chilly drafts.The efficiency of the shades is important, but keep in mind they must also look good. If you install some ugly, but efficient shades, you likely will not close them as often as you should. I cannot tell you how many homes I have inspected and find their insulated windows shades are not closed.Many companies offer insulated window shades that you can find at most home centers and on the Internet. When selecting them, it is important to compare the insulation level and how well the edges seal against the wall or window framing. Also check the ease of raising or sliding them open. If it is cumbersome, you will not use them often.A Roman shade design is very popular and efficient because it can be quite thick. You can make your own from scratch, but it is better to get well-insulated ones in kit form.The best ones have four insulating layers, including reflective Mylar and a vapor barrier in the center. A magnetic edge strip is used so they seal very well against the wall.With these kits, cut the insulated Roman shade fabric to size and add your own material cover to complement your decor. If you are not good with sewing, the kits include special adhesive strips that are activated with a steam iron.For large windows and patio doors, side-pull curtain kits are available with the same multilayer material and magnetic seals.Cellular pleated shades can more than triple the insulation of single-pane windows. These are ideal for contemporary decors because they almost disappear when opened. The ones with the highest R-value use double cells and slide in vertical edge tracks to block drafts. Shades that use light-blocking fabric on the exterior provide slightly higher insulation.The following companies offer insulating shades and curtains: Country Curtains, 800-937-1237, www.countrycurtains.com; Cozy Curtains, 800-342-9955, www.cozycurtains.com; and Smith and Noble, 800-560-0027, www.smithandnoble.com; Symphony Shades, 877-966-3678, www.cellularwindowshades.com; Warm Company, 800-234-9276, www.warmcompany.com.Send inquiries to James Dulley, Butler Eagle, 6906 Royalgreen Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com.

QUESTION: We have quite a few pine trees and piles of pine cones all over the ground. I would like to use my fireplace to heat my living room. Can I use them in my fireplace or will they cause problems?ANSWER: Pine cones burn very well because of all the open area and sap. They are fine to use as a fire starter, but I would not try to burn them exclusively. They can create excessive creosote and burn very fast.Once you get a hot fire started with the pine cones, newspapers and softwoods, adding well-seasoned hardwood is the best for heat and a long, clean burn.Don't forget to have the chimney cleaned regularly.