Conversations overheard
about the mysterious disappearance of mating socks are always a reliable
indicator that summer is long gone at the Jersey Shore. Though mittens and
hot cocoa won't be needed until much later in the season, following some simple
energy efficiency tips in the meantime will not only save you money, but make
you more comfortable during the traditional January freeze.
Heating Systems
Before we get to keeping the cold out, it's important to be sure your gas or oil
burner is operating
properly. Making an appointment to have an inspection and tune-up prior to
the first use of the season is the best course of action and it may
be a good idea to sign up for one of the annual maintenance plans,
especially if your system is a few years old. These plans generally
only add a few dollars to your monthly natural gas bill and may be
available under a similar arrangement from your oil supplier.
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Don't neglect the
ductwork - with a forced hot air system, any leaks there will be
pouring hot air into the wrong places. Seal them up tight. |
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Homes with electric heat won't have any tune-up needs, other
than being sure the baseboards are clean and unobstructed. However, energy savings
may be obtained through the relatively new "Energy Choice" programs in
the state. Setting the thermostat at 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and
lower at night isn't all that uncomfortable and will result in considerable
savings.
Hot
Water
Turning the water holding
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Installing an instant hot
water unit at the sink will provide piping hot water even with the main
water heater set lower. |
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Motion detector wall switch
replacement - auto on for convenience, auto off for savings. |
temperature down and wrapping an older water heater
with an insulation blanket are the two primary steps that have no effect on your
lifestyle. GPU Energy has more
tips to save on hot water costs through decreased usage.
Lighting
In a word: fluorescent. Though more expensive in initial cost, the longer life
and lower operating costs make these bulbs a better choice overall. New
technology has enabled small self-contained units that will even screw in to
normal incandescent fixtures. GPU also has a number of common
sense tips on conserving lighting energy.
Appliances
All new major appliances come with efficiency ratings showing estimated annual
electricity costs. The longer the expected life of the appliance, the more
important choosing a high rating becomes and the greater the savings. For
instance: a refrigerator that sells for $200 more than a similar model but uses
$40 less electricity per year will pay for that extra cost in only 5 years. For
more comparison information, see this review
by the Federal Trade Commission.
Compare
This "Home Energy Checkup"
from the Alliance to Save Energy allows you to plug in different choices such as
insulation levels and types of heat to see which ones will give you the greatest
initial and long-term savings.
Next Page: Keeping
the Cold Out
hat
first cold snap of the year arrives on schedule every fall in October, yet we're
usually caught off guard when our feet touch the floor on that first chilly
morning. 
