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TEN WINTER ENERGY SAVING TIPS
Energy
prices are rising, but your bills shouldn't be
By
Lou Manfredini
1.
Service your heating system every year. It's the
best money you'll spend. Cost for a typical service call to
clean the unit and change filters in both the furnace and
humidifier? An average between $75-$100, depending on where
you live.
2.
Install a programmable thermostat. A must. There
are many different brands on the market that range in price
from $40-$100. You can program it to lower the temperature
while you're at work or sleeping and save up to 30-percent
in a well insulated home. What's more, outdated thermostats
are the weakest link in conserving energy. According to the
government's Energy Information Administration, only about
11% of U.S. homes are equipped with modern programmable thermostats.
A leading manufacturer estimates that homeowners can receive
one to three months of free heating and cooling by installing
a programmable thermostat. What are you waiting for?
3.
Add weather stripping around windows and doors. A
project that any homeowner can do. This also has a real impact
on drafts and conserving energy. Door thresholds, window caulking,
and plastic window film can go a long way in saving your money
this winter. If you live in a drafty home, you could save
up to 20% with an investment of as little as $25.
4.
Utilize or install ceiling fans in your home. Remember
learning that heat rises in physics class? Well, running the
fans slowly and in reverse will keep that warm air circulating
and keep you more comfortable. The bonus? The time your furnace
runs will reduce. So will your monthly bill.
5.
Check the arrangement of your furniture. Really.
Many times people put couches and chairs over vents and in
front of baseboard radiators, decreasing the efficiency of
the units. By restricting the airflow, you increase the use
of your furnace or boiler, and ultimately the energy used
to heat your home.
6.
Consider installing a tankless-water heater. Hey,
this technology has been around for almost 70 years. Now units
are less expensive and can save you hundreds of dollars each
year. How? They create hot water on demand so there's no stored
water needing to be continuously heated. (Think about when
you're away or asleep.) Cost? Around $200-$250 more than a
standard heater, but you'll recoup the cost increase in just
two years.
What's more, standard
water heaters tend to reduce in efficiency as time goes on.
A seven-year-old tank heater runs at about 60-70% efficiency.
While a tank-less heater of the same age runs at about 82%.
The limitations? Multiple fixtures can't run at the same time,
making it difficult to run your washing machine and take a
shower simultaneously. But the savings are really worth it.
Trust me.
7.
Be smart about the temperature you set in your home.
According to the EPA, you'll save up to 3% on your energy
bills simply by turning down your thermostat just one degree.
8.
Install thermo-pane windows in your home. You'll
increase your home's energy efficiency up to 70%. Multi-pane
windows can have R-values of as high as 9.1. The higher the
R-value, the more resistant the glass is to losing heat. Conversely,
your typical single pane glass has an R-value of 1.
9.
Make sure your ceilings and attic are properly insulated.
Heat rises, and if there isn't enough insulation in the space
above, your money is going out the roof. Literally. Most ceilings
and attic spaces should have at least an R-30 rating, although
some areas of the country recommend an R-40-50 rating.
10.
Let the sun be your guide. Why not? It's free energy.
During the day, open up those drapes and blinds and let that
sun heat your home. At night draw the curtains to keep the
heat inside.
BONUS
TIP: A small label can save you big money. Look for
the energy star label on your appliances, easily found on
washing machines, computers and stereo equipment. This label
means the department of energy and the EPA have deemed these
products as energy efficient.
Hope you
use these tips and products to help you keep more heat in
your home and, ultimately, more money in your bank.
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