Tips For Tackling Energy Guzzlers And Maximizing Energy Dollars (NAPSA)—Tired of paying high energy bills? According to the United States Department of Energy, the typical U.S. family spendsclose to $1,300 a year on their home’s utility bills. Unfortunately, much of this money is wasted on energy loss through typical “energy eaters”—poor insulation, leaks, cracks, holes and older appliances in and aroundthe home. There are practical and simple steps you can take to ensure that your homeis energy efficient and that yow’re using energy dollars wisely. Lennox Industries, a global leaderin air conditioning and heating systems and a 2003 ENERGY STar Manufacturing Partner of the Year, offers a complete line of energy-efficient products and the following simple tips to help con- est possible color of drapes or blinds to deflect the heat. Step 3: Home Equipment e Energize with ENERGY STAR. If your appliances are older models, consider upgrading to products that carry the ENERGY STAR label. This government-backed program evaluates products to help individuals and businesses protect the environment through superior energy efficiency. ENERGY STAR-labeled products exceed energy efficiency standards, and | !@ Making your home more energy efficient could save you hundredsof dollars each year. see if the wall cavity is filled with some form of insulation material. You can also purchase or rent a cially one built before 1980, might not have the recommended level of insulation needed for today’s energy use. Step 2: Home Improvement Inspect your attic. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, up to 45 percent of a home’s energy loss is through the attic. Be sure the attic is properly insulated and check and seal any openings around the door, pipes, ductwork and chimneys. If attic insulation is less than five inches, add more. Weatherize. Old or air-leaking windowsand doors can account for 10 to 25 percent of your heating bill. After locating drafts around temperature fluctuationsif there is little or no insulation in the wall. Determine your home’s history. You should know when your house was built and in what geographical area and climate the house resides in order to determine your energy-saving needs. For example, an older home, espe- flooring,fix air leaks in these areas by sealing them with permanent sealant or by installing doublepaned or storm windows. Keep windowscovered. Windows can be the greatest source of outdoor heat entering a home. In addition to caulking or installing weatherstripping, install the light- sumers combat energy eaters: Step 1: Home Analysis * Locate leaks andholes. Holding a tissue in one hand, quickly trace around windows, doors and floors. If the tissue begins to wave, that means air is escaping or entering, and it’s time to do some sealing and caulking. Look inside walls. Check the level of insulation in walls by making a small hole in the wall in a discreet place, such as a closet, to “laser” thermometer, which detects windows, doors, baseboards and can save homeowners up to $400 on their annualutility bills. * Control the temperature. Heating and air conditioning systems could account for up to 50 percent of a homeowner’s utility bill. An automatic setback or programmable thermostat (such as the Lennox Elite Series or SignatureStat™, which also controls humidity levels) allows you to reduce energy costs by automatically controlling the temperature at certain hours of the day, to use less energy at night or when homeownersare away. Let there be (less) light. Wheneverpossible, keep lights off and replace short-lived incandescent lights with fluorescent bulbs, which are slightly more expensive but will make up for the extra cost in energy savings. For more information on energy- efficient heating and cooling appliances for the home, including many that feature the ENERGY STAR label, visit www.lennox.com or call 1-800-9-LENNOX. For more information on making your home energyefficient and ways to maximize your energy dollars, visit www.energy star.gov.
