Winterizing Your Home (NAPSA)—The Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration expects winter to be 12 percent colder than it was last year. But, cooler temperatures don’t have to equal increased heating bills. Simple things, such as caulking windows and doors or closing curtains and shutters at Adding storm windows and night, can makea big difference in doors to your home can help cut count. For each degree you lower the thermostat, you can save five to your heating bills—and this season, everylittle difference may your energybills. Before you fire up the furnace, try these tips: Be sure your furnaceis working properly. American Standard Heating and Air Conditioning recommends homeowners schedule annual inspections of their heating units. That can help assure furnaces don’t pose potential fire hazards and that they burn more efficiently. Seal gaps between heated and unheated spaces, such as areas aroundpipes, ducts, fans or ten percent on cooling costs. vents. Lower your thermostat to at least 68 degrees during the day. Add adequate insulation to your attic (R-30 in ceiling, R-13 in exterior walls and R-11 in interior walls andfloors). Wrap the water heater with an insulated water heater blanket in severely cold climates. Avoid losing heat out of your fireplace. Fireplaces pull warm air out of your home through the chimney. Turn the heat down when you have fire and keep the damper tightly closed when the fireplace is not in use. For more information, visit www.americanstandardair.com.
