(ARA) - The bad news for natural gas customers
is getting worse. Families that shelled out an average of $540 for the
2000 season now face a bone-chilling boost to $860, the federal Energy
Information Administration says. With winter just around the corner,
now is the time to give your home a “check up.” Here are five tips from
the Comfort Institute in Washington on what to look for and take care
of so your home is ready for those cold north winds.
1. Have your duct system tested for air leaks.
Many think that windows and doors are the major cause of a home's air
leaks. But according to recent research by the Department of Energy
(DOE), gaps, cracks and disconnections in the typical home's duct system
are much more significant. The DOE states that the typical duct system
loses 25 percent to 40 percent of the energy put out by the central
furnace, heat or air conditioner. Leaks are usually the biggest problem.
2. Ask your heating contractor to perform an
Infiltrometer "blower door" test. The blower door is a computerized
instrument originally invented by the Department of Energy. It pinpoints
where your home's worst air leaks are, and also measures how leaky the
overall house is. While most homes are still far too leaky, some are
now quite tight, and need mechanical ventilation to ensure the air inside
is fresh.
3. Have your heating system cleaned and tuned
by a qualified contractor. A tune up and filter change is a good investment.
It reduces the chances of breakdowns in the middle of winter, improves
safety, and pays for itself through more energy efficient operation.
For a free report: "How To Identify a Good Heating and Cooling Contractor,"
go to www.comfortinstitute.org.
4. Install a programmable set-back thermostat.
Turning down the thermostat 8 degrees for eight hours a day will save
8 to 10 percent on home heating costs. An easy way to take advantage
of these savings is to lower the thermostat temperature while away from
home or sleeping. Ask your heating contractor about new models which
are much easier to program.
5. Consider replacing your old furnace or heat
pump. Just like a car, heating equipment doesn't last forever. If your
system is more than 12 years old, and you are planning to stay in your
home more than a few years, many authorities recommend considering replacing
it before it fails permanently. A new system is safer, more dependable,
and can pay for itself through energy savings as it is up to twice as
energy efficient.
However, recent research has found that many
newly installed systems have energy wasting mistakes. Check out the
free report "Tips and Secrets To Buying A New Heating and Cooling System"
at www.comfortinstitute.org.
Courtesy of ARA Content
