Weatherizing For Winter Heating If you don't already have a programmable thermostat, get one now. This ensures you will be heating or cooling hour house only when you are home and it is necessary. Portable heaters can be a good option to warming one room where you spend a lot of time, rather than heating the whole house or a whole floor. Portable heaters operating @ 1500 watts can cost 20-25 cents an hour. The most energy efficient and safest portable heaters are radiant heaters with both a thermostat and timer; can be purchased at Target on Broadway.. At night turn thermostat down to 62 degrees or less. If still cold, sleep with a down comforter or electric blanket. Change the air filter for your heater as frequently as monthly. Purchase filters with the maximum number of pleats; the more pleats the more efficient the filter. Insulation If your insulation is more than 15 years old, chances are it has settled and/or it doesn't meet today's standards. Current standards call for at least R-30 in the attic, R-13 in the walls, and R-19 in the floor. Don't insulate above R-38 in the attic or insulation won't breathe. Rake and fluff old insulation if mashed down before adding new. Cellulose and fiberglass are the most common form of attic insulation. Either is effective. Even if you have poor insulation in your walls, it's still effective to add or beef up attic insulation. Weather Stripping Because up to 20% of the heat inside a typical house is lost through the windows, check the weather stripping and caulking around doors and windows. If you can easily slide a piece of paper under your door while it is closed, this indicates a gap that's letting too much air in or out. Local hardware stores sell pre-made rubber strips for the underside of doors. Foam switch plate backing for light and electric switches help seal pathways around this little air conduits. Local hardware stores sell packets of these foam insets for easy installation. Fireplaces Close fireplace damper when not in use. This prevents warm air from escaping up the chimney. HVAC Ducts SMUD will come check your ducts for just $25. Call them at 1-888-742-7683. Hot Water Heaters If you are considering purchasing a tankless hot water heater, make sure it has the capacity you need. Gas tankless hot water heaters are best; electric ones use too much electricity to be energy efficient. Hot Tubs Phantom Loads It is not necessary to unplug appliances that do not have digital clocks or internal timers, such as toasters, blenders, portable heaters, when not in use. But electronic appliances like computers, TVs with Tivos and DVRs should be turned off when not actively used. Tivos and DVRs can run $12-14 per month in electrical costs, not to mention the wasted energy. Thinking of buying a plasma TV? Look for the Energy Star label to ensure energy efficiency. Plasma screens can generate a lot of heat, so look for one with a cooler screen. Special Services From SMUD Having work done on your house to make it more energy efficient? SMUD provides a list of participating contractors for many types of energy efficiency work (like insulation, solar, duct sealing, etc). Visit their website for names. And SMUD will come inspect work by a contractor if you are using a SMUD loan to verify that work was done to SMUD's specifications. Have Energy Questions? SMUD's got answers. SMUD now has an Energy Specialist available to take your calls during business hours. Phone 732-7100.
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