| Vol. 5 | No. 4 | Fall 2003 |
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Close to Home
Stay Warm, Save Energy |
Last year, a long and unseasonably cold winter kept furnaces working overtime, which, combined with high oil and natural gas prices, resulted in astronomical heating bills. Not only did personal finances suffer, but the environment did as well, as increased amounts of pollutants and heat-trapping gases were released into the atmosphere.
Inefficient heating systems and drafty homes may have let much of this heat out the window, costing households hundreds of extra dollars. With cooler weather on the way, now is the time to start preparing your home for the upcoming winter so you can save money and energy while reducing your environmental impact.
Heating
Have your heating system (furnace, heating ducts, and water heater) cleaned and tested to make sure it is running as efficiently as possible. Seal any leaks you find in heating ducts, and insulate ductwork to prevent unnecessary heat loss.
You may also want to consider replacing your old furnace or water heater with a model that has qualified for the Energy Star label. These units require more money up front, but are 10 to 15 percent more efficient than standard models, so the money you save on heating bills will soon pay for the cost of replacing equipment. Some manufacturers and utilities also offer rebates on Energy Star appliances.
Finally, install an electronic programmable thermostat. By automatically adjusting the temperature when you are asleep or away, these devices relieve you of the burden of remembering. With the energy it saves, a programmable thermostat can pay for itself within a year. Energy Star products save you money on your utility bills and help the environment by using less energy.
Weatherizing
A heating system is only as efficient as the home it's meant to heat. Your house may have drafty windows or doors where warm air can escape, or may lack sufficient insulation to retain heat. In addition, if you own a fireplace, heat may be escaping up the chimney, forcing your heating system to work harder than it should to keep you warm.
Luckily, many of these problems are relatively easy and inexpensive to fix and reap significant energy savings. Weather stripping around drafty doors and windows, and caulking around duct or cable outlets, is a low-cost, do-it-yourself project. So is adding extra insulation to attics, basements, and crawlspaces to help retain heat. Storm windows provide additional insulation; just make sure they are airtight. If you don't have storm windows, use window plastic to achieve the same effect. And if you own a fireplace, installing a rooftop damper and glass doors will stop heat from escaping up the chimney.
These projects don't just pay off in the winter. Proper insulation will also keep your home cool in the summer, so you can stay comfortable, save money, conserve energy, and help the environment all year long.
Visit the Energy Star website, for more information on energy-efficient home improvements.
Also in this issue of Earthwise:
Dialogue
Why should vegetarians be concerned
about the overuse of antibiotics in livestock?
