Homeowners Use Great Stuff" To Cut Energy Costs (NAPSA)—This winter, expect a big shock when you receive your heating bill. The U.S. Energy Information Administration pre- dicts that natural gas may increase 71 percent over last year, heating oil 31 percent andelectricity 17 percent. If these statistics prove to be correct, Americans will be looking for simple and inexpensive ways to reduce energy costs. The U.S. Department of Energy has some tips for lowering home heating bills this winter. Prepare your home early in the season to ensure that doors and windowsfit tightly and that cracks that lead to the outside are sealed. One of the simplest ways to seal those cracks is to use GREAT STUFF” Insulating Foam Sealant by The Dow Chemical Company. The average home haslots of hidden holes, gaps and cracks around window and door frames, electrical outlets, plumbing lines, undersiding, in the basement and many other places. Add them all up and it is about the same as having a 16-square-foot opening causing potentially bone-chilling drafts in the house. In fact, this loss can account for 30 to 50 percent of the energy used in most homes. When people feel a draft, their first reaction is to turn the thermostat up! “In light of the unsteady economic forecast, many are wondering how they can cut costs, especially when it comes to their energy bills,” said Janet Hansen, marketing communications manager for foam sealants at Dow. She recommends a variety of things you can do around the home that will not only keep the heat in, but could also save you money throughout the winter: The average home has enough hidden holes, gaps and cracks to equal a 16-square-foot opening. Close fireplace dampers when notin use. Seal and insulate air ducts. e Wrap your water pipes in insulation. e Add insulation to the attic, basement and crawlspaces. Turn down your thermostat. e Install a programmable thermostat and set it for a lower temperature when you're not at home. Close curtains at night and open them duringthe day. Seal areas around baseboards and doors. Wrap your water heater in an insulation blanket. Clean and replace air filters according to the manufacturer’s schedule. Don’t let the kids “heat the outside” by keeping the door open. e Purchase an inexpensive cloth or foam draft stopper to position in front of doors. Put an extra blanket on beds. Consider purchasing a new energy efficient furnace. For more information and energy-saving tips, visit www. dowgreatstuff.com.
