Energy-Saving Tips for the Home Heating Season

by | Oct 29, 2013 | 5, 9, Articles

<font size="3" color="#990000"><strong>Energy-Saving Tips for the Home Heating Season</strong></font> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt">(ARA) – From compact fluorescent light bulbs to ENERGY STAR-rated appliances, consumers are interested in the latest and greatest "green," energy-efficient products. While these products help homeowners make an impact, many consumers may overlook basic steps they can take to conserve energy in their home and lower energy costs, especially during winter months.</span></p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt"><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">In fact, the Department of Energy reports that the typical American family spends more than $1,600 a year on home utility bills. And heating can account for almost half of the average family’s winter energy bill. Experts recommend that consumers use basic winterizing practices and evaluate the latest heating systems to prepare their homes for colder weather. </p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/5c.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/5c.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="282"></embed></object></div>  <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Home maintenance and preparation should include: </p>  <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* Sealing leaks around doors and windows.</p>  <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* Adding weather-stripping or replacing worn stripping around doors and windows.</p>  <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* Inspecting and cleaning chimneys.</p>  <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* Caulking gaps where needed.</p>  <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* Checking insulation.<span>  </span>Focus on crawl spaces, basements, walls, floors and attics.</p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* Vacuuming vents and other heating components.</p>  <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* Consider replacing old windows and heating systems with newer, more energy-efficient models.</p>  <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* Replacing furnace filters. </p>  <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">"There are quick, cost-effective ways to manage your energy expenditures this winter, like having a trusted, local heating and cooling contractor conduct a routine maintenance check on your system," says Kevin Dudash of Bryant Heating & Cooling Systems. "Additionally, a dealer can provide information about larger investments a homeowner can make to reduce energy costs associated with the winter season." </p>  <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">A reliable dealer can help homeowners compare the cost of a new system to the estimated savings they may experience over the years following their initial investment. For example, although they may cost more up front, studies show heating cost savings of up to 25 percent when consumers install hybrid solutions, such as the Hybrid Heat Dual Fuel system by Bryant. The combination of a furnace and heat pump creates a system that always works at maximum efficiency. The energy-saving duo capitalizes on less expensive electricity to heat the home in milder weather, switching to more effective gas heating in colder weather.</p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/9a.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/9a.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="282"></embed></object></div>  <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Consumers can easily find a reliable contractor who will do whatever it takes to keep their home running at maximum efficiency. Visitors to www.bryant.com can even search by zip code for a qualified dealer in their area. </p>  <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">With the right home maintenance practices and a knowledgeable, trusted heating and cooling system dealer, homeowners can assure a comfortable, cost and energy-efficient winter.</p>  <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt">Courtesy of ARAcontent</span></p></span>