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mid_tn_mama

Heating tips

mid_tn_mama
20 years ago

These came from my electric company:

* Set the thermostat no higher than 68. (Warmer temperatures are recommended for homes with ill or elderly persons or infants). For every one degree you adjust your thermostat you affect your bill by approximately 4%!

* Use an extra blanket at night so you can turn the thermostat down even further.

* Wear several light layers of clothing instead of one or two bulky garments.

* Set the thermostat back to the lowest possible setting (usually 55°), which will keep pipes from freezing, when youÂll be gone for an extended period of time.

* Clean or replace return air filters regularly. A good reminder is every month when you receive your bill.

* Did you know approximately one-third of conditioned air escapes through floors, walls and ceilings? Check to see if your attic and crawlspace and/or basement have recommended levels of insulation. Add as needed.

* Keep all doors and windows closed (even if you have storm doors and windows on the outside) when the heating systems is on.

* Close garage doors.

* Open draperies on the sunny side of the house during the day and close them at night.

* You may not realize that a fireplace is one of the most inefficient heat sources you can possibly use. A roaring fire can exhaust as much as 24,000 cubic feet of air per hour to the outside through the chimney, as the heating system works overtime to keep the house warm. So, when the fireplace isnÂt in use, keep the dampers closed. Use vented fireplaces or gas logs to try and heat your home, but use them for decorative purposes only, and use them sparingly in very cold weather. Keep heating vents cleared of obstructions.

* Turn off heat and close doors to unused rooms if you have individual room heat. Close vents and doors to unused rooms if you have a central system other than a heat pump. Of course, if you donÂt have a heat pump, demand to know more about them!

* Seal leaks around doors, windows and other openings, such as pipes or ducts, with caulking or weather-stripping. If pipes or ducts run through unheated areas, insulate them. Leaky ducts can account for approximately 15% of air loss!

* When buying a new heating and cooling system, or any appliance, compare energy-efficiency ratings and annual operating costs. A slightly higher initial cost for a high-efficiency unit could be recovered in a very short time through energy savings and lower utility bills.

* Use kitchen, bath and other ventilating fans sparingly in cold weather. In just one hour, these fans can blow away a household of warm air.

* Consider storm or thermal windows and doors or double-paned glass. A less-expensive alternative is plastic sheeting, which can be temporarily fastened over doors and windows to retain heat or air conditioning.

* Purchase some inexpensive, pre-cut insulation gaskets and seal out the cold air entering your home through electric switches and outlets, particularly those on outside walls.

Any others?

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