HEATING TIPS


Stay warm this winter.
 
* Wrap your hot water heater in an insulating jacket.

* Clean or replace filters on forced-air furnaces, seal flues in fireplaces you don’t use, install drapes or some   other covering on windows, and seal holes around plumbing and heating pipes.

* Set your thermostat to lower temperatures at night.

* Check caulking and weatherstripping, and repair where necessary.

* Close your foundation vents in the winter if there’s a crawl space under your home.

* Prune shrubs that may block airflow to your heat pump.

* Occasionally run your ceiling fans. The air circulation promotes heating efficiency in the winter.

* Schedule an annual tune-up for your heat pump, furnace or boiler. When buying a new furnace, boiler, heat pump, water heater, or other home appliance, consider a high-efficiency model. While energy-efficient appliances may cost more, they may save you money in the long run.

* Check your attic, attic stairway, attached garage walls and basement to make sure your home is properly insulated.

* When inspecting and buying home-insulation products, look for the R-value. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating power.

* Ask your utility or oil company about a budget-billing plan to protect against sudden or unexpected price increases.