Tips Help Consumers Stay Warm And Informed (NAPSA)—Although virtually every domestic fuel source has experienced price hikes this year, there are several simple steps consumers can follow to lower their energy bills this winter. “Americans are not powerless when it comes to their energy bills,” said Randy Chitty, chairman of the Propane Education & Research Council’s (PERC) Homeowner Subcommittee. “A few small changes before and during the cold weather season really can makea big difference.” Energy Saving Tips Consumers Should Pursue Now: 1. Inspect and tune-up your residential heating system regularly. A heating system that runs well is moreefficient and will save you money. 2. Invest in a furnace thermostat timer that lowers your home’s temperature when you are not at home. You can cut annual heating bills by as much as 10 percent per year by turning your thermostat back 10-15 percent for eight hours per day. 3. Protect against drafts by caulking and weather-stripping around windows, doors and other openings such as ducts, fans and vents. 4. Install flow-restricting showerheads. You can reduce hot water usage by up to 50 percent without affecting shower pressure. 5. Consider switching to a propane water heater. Over time, propane water heaters can cost up to one-third less to operate and they recover hot water twice as quickly as electric water heaters. 6. Discuss paymentplan options with your propaneretailer. Many For many homeowners, propane heating appliances may be a more energy-efficient way to keep warm this winter. retailers have budget payment plans that will help you spread your projected annual cost of propane over many months, lowering the costs of seasonally higher bills. Energy Saving Tips Consumers Should Follow Throughout the Cold Weather Season: 7. Change your furnace filter monthly. Clean filters will increase efficiency. If on a monthly payment plan, use receipt of your monthly propane bill as a reminder. 8. Run washing machines, clothes dryers and dishwashers with a full load. 9.Turn down your water heater from the standard 120 degrees to 115 degrees. You could save more than 10 percent on your water heatingbill. 10. Increase your water heater’s efficiency by draining it every six months to remove mineral deposits and sediment. For additional information about energy saving tips and propane heating appliances, visit www.usepropane.com.
