1 |
Heating
is the single biggest energy use in homes.
A well-maintained heating system will hold
down fuel costs and provide reliable comfort.
Check the filters in your warm air heating
system monthly and replace or clean them
when they become dirty. Have your heating
system checked periodically by a licensed
professional. |
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2 |
Proper
insulation in walls, ceilings and floors
also significantly reduces the loss of heat
to the outdoors. Insulation will pay for
itself in fuel cost savings and home comfort. |
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3 |
Storm
windows and doors are big energy and money
savers. They can reduce heating costs by
as much as 15% by preventing warm air from
escaping to the outside. Double glazed and
thermopane windows or even clear plastic
across windows can minimize heat escape. |
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4 |
The
many small openings in a home can add up
to big heat losses. Caulking and weatherstripping
cracks in walls and floors, windows and
doors will save fuel and money. Keeping
the fireplace damper closed tightly when
not in use will also result in heating cost
savings. |
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5 |
Letting
sunlight in by opening curtains, blinds
and shades over windows facing the sun helps
keep your home warm and reduces heating
needs. At night or when the sky is overcast,
keeping drapes and curtains closed will
help keep the warmth indoors. |
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6 |
Dry
air makes you feel colder than moist air
at the same temperature. Maintaining home
humidity will produce personal comfort at
a lower thermostat setting and save money.
Shallow pans of water on radiator tops or
near warm air vents, or a room humidifier,
will help raise humidity levels. |
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7 |
Keeping
your heating thermostat at the lowest temperature
comfortable for you will save on heating
costs. |
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8 |
Insulate
heating hot air ducts and hot water pipes
that provide heat to the rooms in your home.
This will reduce heat loss in uninsulated
areas and will help your heating system
work more efficiently. |
