Winter here, which means more time spent indoors. Before you become housebound, take some time to conduct a safety check inside and around your home.

Passive light is defined as light without the heat emitted by electrical sources. It’s a form of natural light, but in this age of green building it has acquired an upscale name. No matter what it’s called, it’s still one of the best lighting methods available. It’s free. It’s effective. It’s efficient; and it’s easy to bring into homes through tubular skylights without flipping an electrical switch, especially to smaller interior areas that don’t normally get a lot of natural light, including hallways, laundry rooms, closets, or windowless bathrooms.

You’d be crazy to heat your home by burning dollar bills in the fireplace. Yet many homeowners are wasting money each year by paying for heat that escapes quickly due to inadequate insulation. The National Energy Assistance Directors’ Association (NEADA) estimates that this winter’s home heating fuel prices could rise as much as 47.3 percent. That statistic means it now makes more sense than ever for homeowners to think seriously about adding insulation.

The cold and snow have arrived, which means it’s a great time to make sure your home has enough insulation in the attic. If you can see the wood beams of the attic floor, it’s probably under-insulated. What you find out will help you keep your house warmer and save you money for years to come.

Consumers are interested in the latest and greatest “green,” energy-efficient products. While these products help homeowners make an impact, many consumers may overlook basic steps they can take to conserve energy in their home and lower energy costs, especially during winter months. Here's some steps to consider in your home.