Battling Energy Bills
You read it in the headlines and hear about it around the coffee pot at work. Heating bills are going to be much higher this winter. Here are a few thoughts.
Thermostat
Consider adding a digital thermostat if you don't have one already. They can be programmed to lower the temperature by 5 to 10 degrees F overnight, and automatically warm the house back up in the morning a half hour before you plan to get out of bed. This can save 5% or more on heating bills. Some models can also lower the temperature during the day while you are gone.
Attics
Some people close off attic vents in winter in an effort to lower their utility costs. This is a bad idea! Large amounts of moisture migrate into an attic from the living space. Without proper ventilation the moisture builds up and can cause damage to the roof decking and framing, and makes the insulation less effective. If you want to reduce energy bills, then add more insulation. Additional insulation can usually be added to most attics without great effort or expense by blowing in loose fiberglass insulation. You can even rent the equipment at some building supply centers to do it yourself. Make sure that you don't block off eave vents with the new insulation.
Vent Pipes
"What about those open vent pipes in the utility room? Shouldn't I block them off in the winter?" No! You may think that the builder forgot to hook them up to something, but these combustion air supply vents are there for a reason. Gas fired appliances (your furnace and water heater) consume oxygen, and it must be replaced. If the burners are starved for oxygen they will produce more carbon monoxide. This could be fatal for you and your family! Make sure that you keep these vent pipes open.
Furnace Tune-Up
Now is the time to have your furnace cleaned and adjusted if you have not done it yet. A well adjusted furnace will be operating more efficiently (as well as being safer).
Wood Burning
Denver's air pollution problems are notorious. The problem has many sources, but one of them is ashes from wood burning. Having a fire may add warmth to your home, but check first to see if it is legal. Burning restrictions change daily depending on weather conditions and the current air pollution situation. For more information on current restrictions contact the Air Pollution Control Division at 303-782-0211 or on-line at: http://apcd.state.co.us/psi/advisory.html
Fall Cleanup
It's that time of year to put the yard to rest for the winter. Most houses have freeze-proof spigots for the garden hoses. Remember to remove the hose in order for them to work correctly. If you don't have freeze-proof spigots, close the shut-off valve inside, and drain the outside faucet (or get freeze proof faucets installed).
At the risk of repeating myself from the last newsletter, remember to clean out your gutters. Clogged gutters cause water to back up and spill onto the eaves and trim. Water entry is one of the leading causes of damage to homes.
Holiday Safety
Most people spend time away from home during the holidays. Most burglars know it! If you plan to be away from home it's easy to take a few basic precautions, even if you already have a security system. The post office will temporarily hold your mail, and automatically deliver it when you plan to return (your letter carrier should have forms). Ask a trusted neighbor to pick up the paper and shovel your walk while you are gone. Place lights, TV and radio on timers to make it look like someone is there (get several, they're cheap).
Reduce the fire hazard of Christmas trees by keeping them watered. Place the tree away from walking paths (tripping hazard) and make sure that the tree is well supported so it does not fall over (yes, it does happen and it's not a pretty sight).
Store firewood and other combustibles away from fireplaces and wood stoves. And it's not too late to have the chimney cleaned.
Wondering where to put those empty boxes when the Christmas decorations are up? Make sure you find a safe place for them. Several times recently I have found scorch marks on cardboard boxes stored next to the metal flue pipes for furnaces and water heaters. Remember, those flue pipes get hot!