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Still time to button-up house for winter save energy, save moneyThe chill in the air may give way to a sunny afternoon, but, ready or not, winter is coming, a Kansas State University specialist said. Investing a little time in home maintenance before winter officially arrives can help to make the family more comfortable and yield a savings in home energy costs, said Bruce Snead, Kansas State University Research and Extension residential energy specialist. Home heating and cooling costs typically account for up to one-third of home energy costs, and, this year, in Kansas, consumers can expect an increase in natural gas prices, said Snead, who expected the increase to range from 20 to 40 percent. Checking a home heating system before winter sets in is recommended, said Snead, who advised basic maintenance such as cleaning or changing the filter, oiling the motor and fan, and checking to see if vents and ducts are open and clear. Following the manufacturer's recommendations for seasonal or otherwise scheduled maintenance is recommended, he said. And, if a homeowner is uncertain about performing the regular maintenance, scheduling a service call can help to ensure a smooth transition to the heating season. The cost of a service call can be offset if it reveals potential mechanical problems and optimizes system performance, Snead said. Consumers also can trim home heating costs by installing a programmable thermostat, he said. A programmable thermostat will allow a homeowner to maintain a comfortable temperature when family is present, and reduce energy use at night and when the family is away at work and school. Programming also will bring the temperature back into the comfort zone before the family wakes to the new day. A programmable thermostat typically costs about $40 to $150 and will usually pay for itself in three years, Snead said. Adjusting a traditional thermostat also can yield a savings, he said. Lowering the thermostat to 67 degrees (down from 68 degrees) can yield a 2 to 3 percent savings; turning the thermostat down while sleeping (8 hours a day, for example) can yield a 1 percent savings. Older adults generally prefer a warmer environment, but those who wear a sweater and turn down the thermostat also can save on energy costs, the energy specialist said. To further reduce home heating costs, Snead suggested: --Caulking around windows and doors, in gaps or cracks between the foundation and siding, stone or brickwork, or to fill other obvious air leaks; --Checking ductwork for leaks, and sealing leaks, if found; --Sealing and insulating an attic floor; and --Sealing and insulating the perimeter of a crawl space, and sealing ductwork in the crawl space. To reduce general energy use within the home, Snead offered familiar, but sometimes overlooked tips: --Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. --Turn off lights when leaving a room. --Unplug phantom energy users, including small appliances, a cell phone charger and video game box, when not in use. --If you are on time-sensitive electrical rates, use appliances at off-peak times or when rates are lower. Do laundry during early morning or evening hours (and wash with cold-water detergents); run the dishwasher when full, before bedtime, also when rates are lower. If unsure about rate structure, contact the utility service provider. --Use appliances, such as slow cooker or electric skillet, that require less energy. Consumers also are encouraged to consider replacing aging appliances with newer, more energy efficient models, Snead said. Replacing a five- or more year-old dishwasher or 10 or more year-old refrigerator can generally yield a savings in energy use that will, over time, offset the cost of repairing or replacing the older appliance. If replacing a refrigerator, don't put the old one in the garage and plug it in. Look for appliances with an "Energy Star" label with a cost estimate for operation, he said. More information on conservation, energy use and basic home maintenance is available at county and district K-State Research and Extension offices and on Extension's Energy Web site: www.sustainable-energy.ksu.edu. A Basic Home Maintenance guide can be downloaded at www.oznet.ksu.edu. Click on "Publications" and then "Search" for Basic Home Maintenance (# 134C). 11/17/08 Date: 11/11/08
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