News Releases 438

News Release No. 438

ANTICIPATED INCREASES IN WINTER HEATING COSTS PROMPT CONSERVATION CALL FROM DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Volume 33-438	Contact: Larry Archer
(For immediate release)	573-751-3807

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, OCT. 19, 2005 -- Missourians who heat their homes and businesses with natural gas or propane are likely to face significantly higher utility bills this winter. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Energy Center recommends that people start energy efficiency and conservationmasures now to help control higher energy costs.

"Natural gas supplies are tight across the nation. In addition, hurricanes Katrina and Rita shut down much natural gas production and processing in the Gulf Coast region, which adds to the tight supplies and higher market prices," said Energy Center Director Anita Randolph. "However, through efficiency and smart energy use, people can take some of the sting out of higher utility bills."

Missourians can help themselves by doing low-cost or no-cost energy efficiency and conservation measures such as these:

Set back your thermostat. Turning your thermostat back 10 degrees when you will be away for several hours saves five percent to 15 percent on your heating bill. You may want to consider a programmable thermostat that is compatible with your heating system.

Lower the thermostat on your water heater to 120 degrees.

Clean or replace air filters once a month. Have your furnace serviced before each heating season to ensure it is operating safely and efficiently.

Seal air leaks around doors, windows, and other openings, such as plumbing and penetrations, and holes through the foundation, walls and ceiling.

Add insulation in the attic, crawlspaces and walls to meet U.S. Department of Energy guidelines.

Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes. Whenever you reduce the use of hot water, this means your hot water heater uses less energy.

Repair leaky faucets promptly, a leaky faucet wastes gallons of water in a short period.

Install water-saving showerheads and faucet aerators.

Use kitchen, bath and other ventilating fans wisely. In just one hour, these fans can pull out a houseful of warmed or cooled air.

Clean warm-air registers, baseboard heaters, and radiators as needed; makes sure furniture, carpeting, or drapes do not block them.

Insulate and seal ducts located in unconditioned areas such as attics and crawl spaces.

Install insulating window shades.

Open drapes on south-facing windows during the day to allow natural heat to enter the home.

Close all window coverings at night.

Buy and use high-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs.

Turn off lights, computer appliances and other equipment when not in use

Before adding insulation and sealing air leaks around doors, windows and so forth, check all gas-burning appliances for proper burner operation and check the furnace heat exchanger for leaks. Failure to do so may cause elevated carbon monoxide levels in the home.

If you're shopping for a new furnace or appliances, look for the Energy Star label. Energy Star ensures a high level of energy efficiency that will you control energy use and utility bills during this winter and for the entire life of the furnace or appliance.

Utility bills for natural gas are expected to increase an average of 50 percent this winter. Some Missourians are likely to see smaller increases, some larger, depending upon which utility provides your natural gas. Propane prices are expected to be 36 percent higher for MIssourians this winter.

For more information, contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Energy Center at 573-751-3443 or the department toll free at 800-361-4827.

For news releases on the Web, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel. For a complete listing of the department's upcoming meetings, hearings and events, visit the department's online calendar at www.dnr.mo.gov/calendar/search.do.

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