Housing...Inside and Out

September 22, 2000
Save Fuel and Keep Warm

You don't have to freeze during the winter to cut down on fuel costs. You can stay warm and reduce heating costs with some minor adjustments and by practicing some basic maintenance work.

A clean heating system provides more heat for less money. It is a good idea to have your heating-fuel supplier come in and clean, adjust, repair and run an efficiency test on your heating system at least once a year.

The filters of warm-air furnaces should be changed two or three times a winter; clogged filters hinder airflow and cause the furnace to run excessively.

Set the thermostat to provide a comfortable but not excessive temperature. Avoid readjustments because switching the thermostat back and forth wastes fuel. Lower the thermostat at night and use an extra blanket on the bed.

If you are going to be away for the weekend, lower the thermostat about five degrees. If you will be gone for several weeks, turn thermostat back to about 55. Even party guests give off heat from their bodies, so the thermostat can be lowered before they arrive.

With added moisture in the air, you can lower the temperature and still be comfortable. Plants give off moisture and help maintain proper humidity levels. The old familiar container of water on the radiator is another way to add moisture. A humidifier, either added to the heating system or as a separate appliance, automatically adds moisture to the air and uses very little energy.

Keep window shades, blinds or draperies open during the day to let sunshine add warmth to the rooms; close them at night to help keep out wind and cold.

Use weather stripping or caulking to seal air leaks around windows and doors; storm windows and doors should fit snugly to cut in half the heat (or cooled air in summer) that would otherwise be lost.

Be sure fireplace damper is closed when not in use. Also, fireplace devices that direct warm air into the room rather than up the chimney can increase heat output.

Good insulation is essential. Ideally, you should have six inches of insulation over the top-floor ceiling. It saves fuel in the winter and helps reduce air-conditioning costs in the summer. Exterior wall insulation is also desirable, though it is best done when the house is being built.

Be sure grills, radiators, vents and registers in every room are free of obstructions such as furniture and books. Even thin coatings of dust on radiator or baseboard heating units act as insulation and waste heat.

Also, remember to shut off pilot light when heating season is over if you have gas fueled heating.


Written by Dr. Francis Graham (Retired)

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