• Take advantage of the equal payment plans offered by most utilities. These plans even out monthly payments and allow consumers to reduce their winter bills by paying more during other times of the year when consumption is typically much lower. Your local provider can provide you with the information on their programs. Save money. Install a programmable thermostat.
• One of the most important actions you can take is to have your furnace and gas appliances serviced annually by a qualified contractor to ensure safety and maximum energy-efficiency.
• Change or clean filters on the furnace as they become dirty.
• Clean around warm-air registers as needed.
• Set your thermostat as low as is comfortable to you and your family.
• Put on your favorite sweater, use throw blankets and wear heavier socks to help keep you comfortable when you reduce the thermostat setting.
• Increase your activity level at home.
• Rearrange furniture by placing it against inside walls. You're less likely to feel cool drafts if you're not sitting next to the outside walls.
• Install a programmable thermostat and set it to accurately follow your family’s normal routine. A programmable thermostat allows you to adjust the times and temperature settings of your furnace or according to a pre-set schedule.
• Seal leaks around doors, windows and other openings, such as pipes or ducts, with caulking or weather-stripping.
• Make certain you use your kitchen and bathroom ventilation wisely. Use only when needed and turn it off as soon as it has done its job. The fans provide ventilation, but they will also pull warm air out of a household quickly.
• Purchase inexpensive, pre-cut insulation gaskets and seal out the cold air entering your home through electrical switches and outlet plates, particularly those on outside walls. Place child safety covers in all outlets not used.
• Check to see if your attic and crawlspace and/or basement have recommended levels of insulation. Add insulation as needed. If you are uncertain of how much insulation you need, visit: http://www.ornl.gov/sci/roofs+walls/insulation/ins_05.html and enter your zip code.
• Use draperies, awnings, blinds or shutters on all windows to lessen the loss of heat through the glass. In winter, on southern facing windows, keep window coverings open on sunny days to let the sun's warmth in and close them at night to insulate against cold, outside air.

(Image provided by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, story by Buncombe County.)

all contents copyright © 2007, asheville.com. contact: info@asheville.com or 828.253.2880
For listing and advertising information...