Energy Saving Ideas

The National Fire Protection Association provided these tips to safely reduce home energy costs this winter:

HEATING SYSTEMS:

- Set thermostats at 68 degrees when the house is occupied during the day and then turn it down at night or when you're not home.

- Make sure supply and return vents, radiators and baseboad heating units are not obstructed by furniture, appliances or other objects and that air can flow freely to and from them.

- Clean or change furnace filters in forced hot air systems once a month or as needed.

- Have heating systems maintained and serviced according to manufacturer's instructions (usually once a year).

- Check heating ducts for air leaks from joints and holes. Check with your local hardware store for the proper mastic or tape to use for the particular job.

-Turn down the thermostat in rooms that have all of the following: are unoccupied; can be closed odd drom the rest of the house and have their own heating zone. Do not do this if it could lead to freezing water pipes.

WINDOWS & DOORS:

- Install caulking, weather stripping or use spray-in foams around exterior windows and doors or those between heated and unheated spaces (garages, basements, crawl spaces, attics).

-Keep draperies and shades open during the day on your southern facing walls to allow sunlight to enter. Keep them closed at night to reduce heat loss and the chill or "draft" you may feel from cold windows.

EXHAUST FANS:

- A kitchen or bathroom fan can pull out a houseful of heated air in just one hour so turn off all fans as soon as they have done their job.

For more information visit www.nfpa.org