Don’t Let Heating Bills Make You Hot Under TheCollar (NAPSA)—Yes, you can avoid getting the chills from your energy bills by giving your home a cold-weather button up. It could mean big savings and increased comfort for you anytimeof year. For example, experts say by just reducing the air leaks in a home in colder weather, it’s possible to save as much as 10 percent on energy bills. Here are a few tips to keep in mind: First, control costs by controlling temperature. Set your thermostat as low as is comfortable in the winter and high as is comfortable in the summer. Next, find and fix the leaks. There are a numberof places that can be the source of an air leak. Homeowners are encouraged to pay particular attention to doors, windows and places where plumbing, ducting or electrical wiring penetrate exterior walls, floors, ceilings andsoffits over cabinets. To test your home for leaks, hold a lit incense stick next to a suspected source of an air leak. This is best done on a windy day. If the smoke travels horizontally, you have found a leak that may need caulking, sealing or weather-stripping. Remembernotto let energy go out the window. While windows can add to a home’s style and comfort, they can also be the source of a lot of wasted energy. The experts at the Department of Energy (DOE) suggest: Close your curtains and shadesat night; open them during the day. Nonsouthern-facing window treatments in unused areas can be left closed. Tape clear plastic sheeting inside of a window frameif there are drafts. LET THE SUNSHINE IN—During heating season, keep the drapes and shades open on south-facing windowsduring the day. Install tight-fitting insulating window shades on windowsthatfeel drafty after weatherizing. For long-term savings, install storm windowsoversinglepane windows or replace them with ENERGY STAR double-pane windowswith low-e coating. Insulate your home against high energybills. Insulating a home can help reduce energy costs year-round. Start by insulating the hotwater heater and hot-water pipes. It’s best to follow the insulation manufacturer’s instructionsor get professional help. Check the insulation in the attic, ceilings, exterior and base- ment walls, floors and crawl space to see if it meets recom- mendedlevels for your region. To find out how much insulation you need in your home, go to this DOE Website and enter your zip code, www.ornl.gov/~roofs/Zip/ ZipHome.html. These and many other energysaving tips can be found at www.energysavers.gov or by calling (877) 337-3463. For more information about energyefficiency and renewable energy, visit www.eere.energy. gov.
