Issue Date: December 21, 2008
GreenSmart |
NATALIE ERMANN RUSSELL |
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More heat for the buck
Don't let your heated air leak out
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As heating prices go up this winter, it's not just green to conserve -- it's smart budgeting. The average family drops $1,400 a year on energy bills, but the Environmental Protection Agency says you can save 20% with the right approach:
Seal your home. Cracks in your attic or basement may be the culprit in a high heating bill; they make your heater work overtime. Want to seal up the cracks yourself? Follow helpful tips at energystar.gov.
Clean your air filter. Your filter may need to be cleaned only every three months or so (check your filter's package). However, most benefit from cleaning or replacement every month to get rid of dirt, the main source of most heating system failures.
Get what you need. If your heating system is more than 15 years old, you'll likely need to replace it. Be sure that the new equipment is the right size for your home. Too big means extra operating costs.
Hire a pro. Need to have work done and don't want to do it yourself? Go to natex.org to find a certified heating technician.
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