Conserving Energy-85 ways to save

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Conserving Energy

85 Ways to Save

Saving Energy And Money In Your Home

The major energy users in your home - heating system, air conditioning, electric water heater, refrigerator, dryer, lighting - all contribute to your overall electric utility bill. Here are some tips to help you use them more efficiently, lower your energy use and save money on your monthly electric bill.
Caution: Some people, including the elderly, infants and persons with circulatory problems, may require higher indoor temperatures (above 65 degrees F. at all times) to avoid health problems. Please seek the advice of your physician regarding winter and summer thermostat settings in your home.
Your Heating System

1. Keep your heating equipment well tuned with periodic maintenance by a professional service representative.
2. Use kitchen, bath and other ventilating fans sparingly. You can blow away a houseful of heat in just two to three hours using ventilating fans.Turn them off when their job is complete.
3. Set your thermostat at 68 degrees F. during the day and 60 degrees F. at night. You can save 3 percent on your heating costs for every degree you reduce the temperature below 70 degrees F. for the entire heating season. Special Advice to Heat Pump Owners: Heat pumps need to stay at a constant setting, unless you have a programmable electronic heat pump thermostat with adaptive recovery. Check with your heating or air conditioning contractor to determine the type of thermostat you have.
4. Turn down your thermostat at night or when you’re away for more than four hours during the day. Do not turn off your heating system entirely as this may cause pipes to freeze.
5. If you have a simple open-masonry fireplace, consider installing a glass screen, a convective grate, a radiant grate or a fireplace insert. They’ll help cut down on the loss of warm air through the fireplace chimney.
6. Maintain proper air circulation. Keep heating supply registers and cold-air return registers clear of draperies and furniture.
7. Clean or replace the filter in your forced-air heating system each month. Foam filters can be rinsed with water, but be sure they are dry before replacing. Fiberglass filters need to be replaced periodically.
8. Keep draperies and shades open during the day to let the sunshine in; close them at night.
9. Check the duct work for air leaks about once a year if you have a forced-air heating system. To do this, feel around the duct joints for escaping air when the fan is on. Relatively small leaks can be easily repaired by covering holes or cracks with duct tape. More stubborn problems may require caulking as well as taping.
10. Dust or vacuum radiator surfaces frequently. Dust and grime impede the flow of heat.
11. Don’t place lamps or television sets near your thermostat. Heat from these appliances is sensed by the thermostat and could cause your furnace to shut off sooner than is needed for adequate warmth.
12. Dress warmly. The human body gives off heat about 390 BTUs per hour for a man, and about 330 BTUs per hour for a woman. Dressing wisely can help you retain natural heat. Wear closely woven fabrics, which add at least a half degree in warmth. Slacks are at least a degree warmer than skirts; a light, long-sleeved sweater equals almost 2 degrees in added warmth; a heavy long-sleeved sweater adds about 3.7 degrees; and two lightweight sweaters add about 5 degrees in warmth because the air between them serves as insulation to keep in more body heat.
Your Cooling System

13. Keep your cooling system well tuned with periodic maintenance by a professional service representative. Ask your service representative how the energy efficiency of the system may be increased.
14. When selecting a central air conditioning unit, be sure to choose one with the proper capacity and highest efficiency.
15. Choose a central air conditioning unit or room air conditioning unit that uses a minimal amount of electricity to complete its task. High Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratios (SEERs) - such as 13.0 SEER and above - correspond with greater efficiency. Energy Efficiency Ratios (EERs) provide the same guidance for room air conditioning units.
16. Install a whole-house ventilating fan in your attic or in an upstairs window to help air circulate in your home. Although not a replacement for a central air conditioning system, a fan is an effective way to stay comfortable on milder days.
17. Set your thermostat at 78 degrees F., a reasonably comfortable and energy efficient indoor temperature.
18. Don’t set your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you turn your air conditioner on. It will not cool faster, but it will cool to a lower temperature than you need and use more energy.
19. Consider using a ceiling fan with your window air conditioner to spread the cooled air to other rooms. But be sure the air conditioner is large enough to help cool the additional space.
20. Don’t place lamps or television sets near your thermostat. Heat from these appliances is sensed by the thermostat and could cause your system to run longer than necessary.
21. Clean or replace air conditioning filters. Dirty air filters should be cleaned or replaced every month. Foam filters can be rinsed with water and wrung dry. Fiberglass filters need to be replaced.
22. No matter what kind of central air conditioning system you have, clean the outside condenser coil once a year. To clean, turn off the unit and spray the coils with water at a low pressure. (High water pressure may bend the fins.) Try to spray from the top of the unit down and outward.
23. Use duct tape to seal the cracks between each section of an air duct on your central air conditioning or forced-heating system.
Other Cooling Tips

24. Keep out the daytime sun with vertical louvers or awnings on the outside of your windows. Draw any draperies, blinds and shades.
25. Keep lights low or off when not needed. Electric lights generate heat and add to the load on your air conditioner.
26. Plant shade trees strategically around your home. Properly selected and planted shade trees can save up to $80 annually on the average electric utility bill.
27. Cook and use other heat-generating appliances in the early morning and late evening hours whenever possible.
28. Use window or whole-house ventilating fans to cool your home.
29. Use vents and exhaust fans to pull heat and moisture from the attic, kitchen, bath and laundry directly to the outside if you don’t have air conditioning.
Sealing Air Leaks

30. Insulate your attic floor or top-floor ceiling to a minimum of R-49 for these spaces. R-values or numbers indicate the resistance of an insulation material to heat flow. The higher the R-number, the more effectivebthe insulating capability. R-values appear on thebpackages of insulation materials.
31. Don’t insulate over eave vents or on top of recessed lighting fixtures or other heat producing equipment on the attic floor. Also, keep insulation at least 3 inches away from the sides of these types of fixtures.
32. Insulate heating and cooling ducts in unheated or uncooled areas.
33. Don’t let air seep into your home through the attic
access door. Check the door to make sure it is well insulated and weather stripped - otherwise, you’ll be wasting fuel to heat or cool the attic.
34. Test your windows and doors for air tightness. Add weather stripping and caulk where necessary. It's low cost and can save you 10 percent or more in annual energy costs.
35. Install storm windows. Combination screen and storm windows (triple-track glass combination) are the most convenient because they can be opened easily when there’s no need to run heating or cooling equipment.
Hot Water Heater

36. Buy a high-efficiency water heater. When you need a new water heater, purchase a unit with a high Energy Factor (EF) rating. EF ratings-such as those of .91 and above-correspond with greater efficiency. The higher the rating, the more efficiently the unit will operate.
37. Turn down the water heater temperature dial to 120 degrees F. or less, or to the “warm” setting. If you have a dishwasher, be sure to check your manufacturer’s instructions for minimum water temperature.
38. Insulate the outside of your water heater with an insulation blanket to reduce heat loss and save $10 to $20 a year.
Kitchen Energy Savers

39. Use cold water rather than hot to operate your food disposal. Cold water also helps get rid of grease by solidifying it, so it can then be ground up and washed away.
40. Install an aerator in your kitchen sink faucet.
41. Never boil water in an uncovered pan. Water will come to a boil faster and use less energy in a kettle or covered pan.
42. Keep range-top burners and reflectors clean. They will reflect heat better, and you will save energy.
43. Match the size of the pan to the heating element. More heat will get to the pan, and less will be lost to the surrounding air.
44. Get in the habit of turning off the elements or surface units on your electric stove several minutes before completing the allotted cooking time. The heating element will stay hot long enough to finish the cooking without wasting electricity.
45. Turn off the oven five to 10 minutes before cooking time is up and let trapped heat finish the cooking.
46. When using the oven, cook as many foods as you can at one time.
47. Avoid opening the oven door repeatedly to check food that is cooking. This allows heat to escape and rets in the use of more energy to complete the cooking of your food. Instead, watch the clock or use a timer.
48. Use small electric cooking appliances or ovens for small meals rather than the kitchen range or oven. They use less energy.
49. Use pressure cookers and microwave ovens if you have them. They save energy by reducing cooking times.
50. Don’t preheat the oven unless absolutely necessary, and then for no more than 10 minutes.
51. Avoid using the broiler. It is a big energy user.
52. Thaw frozen foods before cooking. It will save time and energy.
Dishwashing

53. When buying a dishwasher, look for an energy-efficient model with air power and/or overnight dry settings. These features automatically turn off the dishwasher after the rinse cycle. This can save you up to 10 percent of your dishwashing energy costs.
54. Scrape dishes and rinse with cold water from the faucet before loading them into the dishwasher. Avoid using the dishwasher's pre-rinse cycle.
55. Be sure your dishwasher is full but not overloaded when you turn it on.
56. Don’t use the “rinse-hold” on your machine for just a few soiled dishes. It uses three to seven gallons of hot water each time you use it.
Refrigerator/Freezer

57. Don’t keep your refrigerator or freezer too cold. Recommended temperatures: 38 degrees F. to 40 degrees F. for fresh food compartments of the refrigerator; 5 degrees F. for the freezer compartment. Separate freezers for long-term storage should be kept at zero degrees F. 68. Open the refrigerator or freezer door only when necessary, and don’t hold it open any longer than necessary.
58. Regularly defrost manual-defrost refrigerators and freezers. Frost buildup increases the amount of energy needed to keep the refrigerator at its proper temperature. Never allow frost to build up more than onequarter of an inch.
59. If possible, don’t place your refrigerator or freezer in direct sunlight or near the stove.
60. Make sure your refrigerator door seals are airtight. Test them by closing the door on a piece of paper or dollar bill so it is half in and half out of the refrigerator. If you can pull the paper or dollar out easily, the hinge may need adjusting or the seal may need replacing.
Laundry

61.Wash clothes in warm or cold water, rinse in cold.
62. Fill washers and clothes dryers but do not overload them.
63. Keep your clothes dryer’s lint screen clean and its outside exhaust free of obstructions. Clean the lint screen after each load of laundry, and check the exhaust regularly. A lint screen in need of cleaning and a clogged exhaust can lengthen drying time and increase the amount of energy used.
64. Save energy by using the old-fashioned clothesline. Doing so can make clothes seem fresher and dryer than those emerging from a dryer.
Ironing

65. Remove from the dryer and hang clothes that will need ironing while they are still damp.
66. Save energy needed for ironing by hanging clothes in the bathroom while you’re bathing or showering. By doing so, you can steam some wrinkles out and cut down on ironing time.
67. Avoid piecemeal ironing. If possible, iron a large load of clothes at a time.
Bathroom Energy Savers

68. Take showers rather than tub baths, but limit both your showering time and the water flow if you want to save energy.
69. Install a water-flow controller in the pipe at the showerhead. This saves a considerable amount of hot water and the energy used to produce it.
70. Install an aerator in the bathroom sink.
71. Don’t let water run while shaving. This wastes hot water and the energy used to heat it.
72. Repair leaky faucets immediately.
Indoor Lighting

73. Use compact fluorescent bulbs. They produce about three to four times as much light per watt as incandescent bulbs. While compact fluorescents are initially more expensive, they last up to 10 times longer. Compact fluorescent bulbs work best in the kitchen, bathroom or a work area. Deluxe white fluorescent bulbs produce the most pleasing light.
74. Halogen bulbs are another energy-efficient choice for
indoor and outdoor lighting. They use about 25 percent less energy than traditional incandescents, and produce an intense white light, making them ideal for spot, flood and security lighting. Halogen torchieres, however, can pose a fire hazard due to the high temperatures produced by these bulbs.
75. Turn off lights in any room not being used, even if your absence will only be momentary.
76. When using incandescent bulbs, use the lowest wattage possible or convenient. In many cases, a lower wattage bulb can be substituted for the one currently being used.
77. Light-zone your home and save electricity. Concentrate lighting in reading and work areas, and where it’s needed for safety, such as in stairwells. Reduce lighting in other areas, but avoid very sharp contrasts.
78. Consider installing solid-state dimmers. They make it easy to reduce lighting intensity in a room, saving energy. Most will not work with fluorescent bulbs however.
79. Use one large bulb instead of several small ones in areas where bright light is needed.
80. Socket extenders and special adapters let you use compact fluorescent bulbs in your table lamps.
81. When choosing a new lamp, buy three-way lamps. They make it easy to keep lighting levels low when intense light is not necessary, and that saves electricity. Use the high switch only for reading or other activities that require brighter light.
82. “Long life” bulbs emit less light than a standard incandescent bulb of the same wattage. Use them only where the long-life feature may be advantageous, such as hard to-reach places.
Outdoor Lighting

83. Turn on outdoor lights only when needed.
84. Use timers, motion detectors, heat sensors or photocell controls for light fixtures when possible.
And Remember to. . .

85. Check out our Energy Usage Chart to learn the typical wattage and kilowatt hours per year consumed by typical household appliances.

 

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COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Saving money on winter heating costs is always desirable, but may especially be important this season as homeowners continue to struggle through an economic recession. Whether one owns a home in metro Columbus or maintains a farm in rural Ohio, finding ways to save a few dollars while keeping your family warm may be a good investment, and there are a few things one can do to that end.
"It's always good to save money, so finding ways to save on energy costs to heat a home or farm building is important. Whether you own a home in the middle of town or a farmhouse in the country, there are no differences to saving on heating costs," said Randall Reeder, an Ohio State University Extension agricultural engineer and energy specialist. "Bottom line is if you can find ways that will save energy at a reasonably small investment, then that's going to translate into savings in the long run."
Reeder, who also holds an Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center appointment, offers the following energy-saving tips:
• Insulate your home. "A home should be well-insulated. It's going to pay back year after year," said Reeder. Still, a third of the houses in the United States are inadequately insulated and about 10 percent have no insulation at all, said Reeder. In insulated houses, Reeder cautioned that homeowners need to be aware of insulation gaps. "If you have 95 percent of the ceiling and walls well-insulated, but somehow an area got missed, you might be losing half of your heat through that small area."
• Be mindful of air leakage, especially around doors and windows. "If it's windy and you feel air coming through the window, then you are losing a lot of heat," said Reeder. "The lowest cost way to remedy this is to buy plastic sheeting that you can cover the windows with, and insulation tape to stop leakage gaps." Reeder said that the plastic is also useful in farm buildings and work sheds to prevent air leakage around places such as garage doors that aren’t used in winter.
• Double or triple pane your windows, but only if it's economical. "Do some calculations and make sure that the investment will pay back," said Reeder. "It won’t be worth it to spend $10,000 to upgrade your windows if the improvement will only save $250 a year in heating bills."
• Turn down the thermostat to about 55 degrees when you are away from the house for the day. "Also turn it down before you go to bed," said Reeder. "An extra blanket or two can keep you comfortable."
• Only heat the parts of the house or work shed that you regularly use to your comfort zone. "If you can close off rooms, turn down the whole-house thermostat to a low setting and only heat one or two rooms to 70 degrees with an individual heater. That could translate into energy savings," said Reeder.
• Don't be fooled into substituting a high-priced fuel for a lower-priced fuel. "Natural gas is nearly always the lowest cost fuel compared to electric, propane or fuel oil. Don't be taken in by the sales pitch for a magical electric heater that is going to save you a pile of money and you are currently heating with a gas furnace," said Reeder. "The electricity is likely to be considerably more expensive than natural gas." See attached table for energy source cost comparisons.
• The type of heating used can make a difference when it comes to savings. "In farm buildings, contrast forced air with radiant heating. The benefit of radiant heat comes from heating the floor and other surfaces instead of heating the air directly," said Reeder.
Other simple energy-saving tips include hanging heavy drapes on windows to trap heat, opening curtains on south-facing windows on sunny days, and improving the ventilation of a home to prevent uncontrolled airflow into or through the house.

 

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Ways To Save On Heating Costs by Dr. Charlotte Gorman
With winter fast approaching, it is time to consider ways you can keep your home heating costs as low as possible and still be comfortable.

Older persons should be careful to not turn the heat too low, because they are more likely to be susceptible to hypothermia - which develops when body heat is lost to a cool or cold environment faster than it can be replaced. Infants and people with certain diseases are also especially at risk. People with circulatory problems and those taking certain types of medications may also be vulnerable.

Below are some tips which should save you a considerable amount of money on your winter heating bill:

1. If your home is equipped with a central heating system, try setting the thermostat between 65 and 70 degrees F in the winter during the day. Use a room thermometer to check the temperature in your home if your particular type of heating unit (for example, a baseboard, through-the-window, or portable unit) does not give the temperature in degrees. Experiment--you may be able to turn the setting down even a few more degrees and still be comfortable. Each degree makes a difference in the utility bill.

2. To save on your utility bill, turn down the heat considerably or turn it off at bedtime during the winter. (See number 3 below for exceptions.) Use extra cover or an electric blanket for added warmth.

3. If you are going to be away from home, turn the heat down to save on your utility bill. Maybe even turn the heating unit off if you will be away for an extended period of time (if your pipes are well insulated so your water will not freeze and burst the pipes, your house plants or other items will not freeze, and you don't leave a pet in the house).

4. If you are building a new home or replacing your present heating unit, check to see if, in your area, a gas heating unit, an electric heating unit, or a fuel oil heating unit would be cheaper to operate. Consider building or buying accordingly.

5. If you plan to buy a new gas heating unit, ask your gas utility office and dealers in gas heating units about the potential savings of electronic ignition (rather than a pilot light which burns all the time). You should realize significant savings on your gas bill with electronic ignition.

6. If you plan to buy a new electric heating unit, consider installing a heat pump for heating and cooling your house. A heat pump can cut your use of electricity for heating by 30 to 40 percent and also might provide some savings in cooling costs. Ask experts about the possible benefits of using a heat pump in your geographical area.

7. If you plan to buy a new furnace, check around for the most energy efficient models.

8. Keep the doors of cabinets, pantries, closets, and storage rooms which are inside the house closed. It is a waste of money to heat them unless there is some vital reason for doing so.

9. During cold weather, when you are inside the house, wear several relatively loose, warm layers of dark-colored clothing. Wear warm socks and "closed" shoes. Wear long underwear and slacks. Wear long-sleeved blouses, shirts, and sweaters. Wearing such clothing should enable you to keep the heat at a lower setting.

10. During the winter months, when you are inside the house, wear a hat to help you stay warm. A large amount of body heat is lost through the head. Wearing a hat should enable you to reduce your home heat a little.

11. During the winter, while you are inside the house, wear a scarf around your neck to avoid significant heat loss through the neck. Wearing a scarf should enable you to lower the heat a bit.

12. Use the kitchen and bathroom ventilating fans sparingly during cold weather. In just one hour, these fans can blow away a houseful of heated air. Turn them off just as soon as they have done their jobs.

13 During cool weather, after you have turned off the oven and after the food has finished cooking, open the oven door to allow the remaining heat to help warm the kitchen.

14. Make sure that draperies, furniture, and other items are not obstructing the heat coming from the heating vents. If heat is obstructed, then you are not getting the full benefit of the heat for which you are paying. For example, if a floor vent is positioned so that most of the heat from the vent is going behind the draperies, then you are definitely wasting money. Inexpensive plastic heat directors can be purchased that will direct the flow of heat out into the room.

15. Have your heating unit checked periodically by a professional service person to make sure it is operating at peak energy efficiency.

16 Clean or replace the filter regularly (every month or so depending on the frequency of use of the unit) in your heating/cooling unit. When the filter is dirty, the energy efficiency of the unit is reduced.

17. Dust or vacuum radiator surfaces frequently. Dust impedes the flow of heat.

18. Insulate accessible heating ducts in unheated areas, such as the attic. Insulation minimizes heat loss during the winter.

 

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Reduce Home Heating Fuel Consumption and Spend Less to Heat Your Home

In addition to using common sense and maintaining home heating systems to avoid costly chimney fires and oil burner or furnace break-downs, homeowners can also try the following tips to save money by reducing the costs of home heating oil, natural gas, propane, wood or wood pellets, and other home heating fuels.

• Install a programmable thermostat.
• Program the thermostat to decrease the home's temperature by a few degrees at night and during the day while the residents are at school or at work.
• Avoid dramatic thermostat changes - it costs less to keep a home at a near-constant temperature. Heating systems will burn more oil, natural gas or other fuels to "catch up" when the thermostat temperature fluctuates by more than a few degrees. Homeowners will spend more on home heating costs if the thermostat setting varies by more than five degrees when it's turned down at night or while at work.
• If using a wood burning stove, build a wood shed and stock firewood during the entire year by collecting firewood from the town dump, from downed trees or ask a tree removal company for dibs on some of their wood for use as firewood.
• If you have a fireplace or wood burning stove, use it in conjunction with the home's oil burner, furnace or other home heating system. Especially if you've been collecting free firewood throughout the year.
• Insulate a home's attic and the insulate the ceiling of the basement to help keep warm air in and cold air out of the home's living areas. When replacing sheet rock on the walls, install insulation if insulation is not present (which is the case in many older homes.)
• Install caulking around drafty window frames (and use a feather to find small window drafts).
• Install storm windows and storm doors to prevent drafts and to better insulate the home.

Even with these heating cost saving tips for the home, many residents will struggle to pay for heating oil, propane and other home heating methods this winter. For these homeowners, research home heating assistance programs that are offered to eligible residents in many states and provinces.
In addition, read How to Save Money on Home Heating Costs for more simple methods that will help residents to spend less on home heating costs during the winter.
Looking for more ways to save money? Check out How to Save Money on Groceries for some easy grocery shopping tips that will help reduce food bills.

 

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1. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Start with what you use for energy:[/FONT]
2. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Some areas have very low gas prices. In other places home heating oil is reasonable. Electricity may be the energy source most prevalent where you live, and parts of the world have little access to any inexpensive fuels. Find out what is the best for you to use... heat your home with the energy that is cheapest in your area.[/FONT]
3. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Consider heating your home with the sun's help. Energy from solar panels or using solar heat to supplement your normal heating source is cost effective in most parts of the world. The initial cost may seem higher, but over the long run it costs the least and many energy hungry areas provide generous tax rebates for installing solar panels.[/FONT]
4. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]If wood is plentiful where you live, have a professional install a wood burning stove.
   [/FONT]
   [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Next think about using that thermostat as an assistant in your money saving campaign:
   
   [/FONT]
5. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]In the spring and fall, turn off the heat unless the temperature outside gets below freezing.[/FONT]
6. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Temperature variations near the thermostat will affect the whole house. Be sure your thermostat is located in an area that is not too cold or hot. [/FONT]
7. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Install an automatic timer to keep the thermostat at 68 degrees during the day and 55 degrees at night. If it seems chilly - put on a sweater.[/FONT]
8. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Wear warm layered clothing indoors during cold weather. Some of the new synthetics are the best for thermal layering. If you live in a cold climate and can comfortably walk around in a tank top and shorts - you're wasting money![/FONT]
   
   [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Take a look at your windows for a clear view of heating bill savings - and don't forget the doors and insulation in other spaces where air can carry your valuable heat away:
   
   [/FONT]
9. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Use storm or thermal windows in colder areas. The layer of air between the windows acts as insulation and helps keep the heat inside where you want it.[/FONT]
10. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Don't just concentrate on the windows... install storm doors before the cold weather arrives.[/FONT]
11. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Open up those draperies and shades in winter to let in the heat from the sunshine. If you're worried about fading the furniture - use a slipcover.[/FONT]
12. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Keep shade trees from blocking the suns rays into your house. Prune any branches that block the sunlight.[/FONT]
13. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]If you've installed awning to block the sun in the summer make sure you take them off before the cold weather hits. You want the energy provided by sun-exposed windows during winter months - take full advantage of those warming rays on your windows.[/FONT]
14. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Keep windows closed during cold weather, but be careful to "air out the house" on a regular basis to avoid buildup of any toxins.[/FONT]
15. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Check to see that glass in all windows have fresh putty. If the putty in your windows is dry and cracked you may want to consider adding some newer sealant. Also seal any visible cracks with weather-stripping or cloth - newspapers will do if you're desperate. Some folks just staple a sheet of clear plastic tarp over very old windows for the winter.[/FONT]
16. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Repair all cracks and holes, large or small, in your roof, walls, doors and windows. Make sure you seal off anywhere that heat might escape.[/FONT]
17. 
    View attachment 9747
    [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Window sealants are
    a quick & easy way
    to keep cold air out.[/FONT]
    
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    [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]You may be able to cut heat loss in half by weather-stripping doors and windows. Don't forget the weather-stripping on your attic and basement doors to prevent heat from escaping.[/FONT]
18. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]In colder areas it makes sense to move furniture away from any exterior walls. Putting some space between you and the cold walls makes the house seem warmer and leaving room for the air to move around actually makes it warmer.[/FONT]
19. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Think about upgrading the insulation in your home. If you haven't already, insulate your attic and all outside walls.[/FONT]
20. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Insulate floors over unheated spaces such as your basement, any crawl spaces and your garage. You actually lose more heat through poorly insulated floor spaces and basements in the average house than through drafty doors and windows. The savings here could be as high as $500 a year![/FONT]
21. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Close off the attic, garage, basement, spare bedrooms and storage areas. Heat only those rooms that you use. [/FONT]
22. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]When you're away from home for an extended time, turn off the heat and the hot water heater. Don't do this for short term absences. It can take more energy to heat up the cold water than you saved.[/FONT]
23. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Seal gaps around any pipes, wires, vents or other openings that could transfer your heat to areas that are not heated. While you're at it - caulk those baseboards to keep the heat from seeping out.[/FONT]
24. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Wrap heating ducts with duct tape (that's where the name comes from!) where they may be exposed to cold air. Putting insulation around pipes that need it is also an energy saver.[/FONT]
25. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Dust is a wonderful insulator and tends to build up on radiators and baseboard heat vents. It keeps the heat from getting into the rooms where you need it... dust or vacuum all radiator surfaces frequently.[/FONT]
    
    [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]A small fortune gets lost by homeowners who try to cut corners by not having their furnace in tip-top shape:[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] [/FONT]
    
    View attachment 9748
    [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Save money by maintaining
    your furnace throughout the
    home heating season.[/FONT]
    
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    [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
    
    [/FONT]
26. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Before you use your furnace for the first time in the cold weather have it serviced. Many gas and oil companies provide this in your service contract or for a small additional fee and it could amount to savings of up to $400.[/FONT]
27. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Talk to your gas, oil or electric company to see if you can be put on a level billing contract. This doesn't really save money, but does help you to budget for the heating season and makes heating bills more affordable.[/FONT]
28. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Inspect your furnace during the cold months. Keep parts clean. Replace air filters when necessary. Clean filters can save up to $60 a year on heating costs.[/FONT]
29. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Make sure that furnace cold air and warm air registers are not obstructed and vacuum them clean once a month.[/FONT]
30. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Turn off your furnace pilot light when heat is not necessary.[/FONT]
31. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Check for cracks around fireplace. Keep heat in by caulking all cracks.[/FONT]
    
    [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Think a fireplace or heater will help save money? It can work if you do it right:[/FONT]
    
32. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Keep fireplace damper closed when not in use.[/FONT]
33. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Turn off heat when the fireplace is being used.[/FONT]
34. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]A glass front or glass screen will reduce fireplace heat loss.[/FONT]
35. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Check efficiency ratings before purchasing appliances of any kind.[/FONT]
36. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]An electric blanket is much less expensive than heating your bedroom.[/FONT]
    
    [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Your kitchen is a great place for energy savings. Just follow this simple recipe:[/FONT]
37. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Try to cut down on the use of kitchen and bathroom fans in winter. These fans cool the air and waste household heat.[/FONT]
38. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Cover pots and pans when heating liquids.[/FONT]
39. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Cooking utensils with flat bottoms and tight fitting covers save heat.[/FONT]
40. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Be sure pots and pans are right size for range burners and elements.[/FONT]
41. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Plan some meals so that entire meal can be prepared in oven at same time.[/FONT]
42. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Thaw frozen meats to almost room temperature before cooking.[/FONT]
43. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Turn off your oven about five minutes before cooking time is over. The heat in the oven will keep on cooking your food, and you'll save on gas or electric bills.[/FONT]
44. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Don't open the oven often to check food while it's cooking. You lose 20 to 50 percent of the heat each time you do - and you slow down the cooking process.[/FONT]
45. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Never use your stove for heating. It doesn't do a good job, it's bad for the stove and it could be dangerous. [/FONT]
    [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
    A few last hot tips for saving on your heating bills:
    
    [/FONT]
46. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Never use open flames or candles for heating. Damage from fires is much more expensive than heating bills.[/FONT]
47. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Try to teach children to keep doors closed and discuss other ways of conserving heat and saving energy. If yours haven't turned out a light since they were old enough to stop playing with the light switch - good luck![/FONT]
48. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Check to see if you qualify for any government assistance with your heating bills if you have a low income or are a senior citizen on a fixed income.[/FONT]
49. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Check tax breaks and homeowner's insurance policies for savings when you add energy conserving items to your home.[/FONT]
50. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Check with your local electric company to find out if they have times during the day when the rates are lower. Using the oven, dishwasher, washing machine and other energy demanding appliances during these times may lead to big savings. Be careful. Some plans may make you pay a premium price for using electric during peak hours and you'll need to make sure to do wash and other chores during the off hours.[/FONT]
51. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Talk to your utility company for other suggestions for saving money on your heating bills. Many companies will actually send someone to your house for a home energy audit and offer suggestions to help you use less energy.[/FONT]

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