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News Release 565
DEPARTMENT OFFERS HOT TIPS
FOR SAVING WINTER ENERGY COSTS
Volume 35-565 |
Contact: Kerry Cordray |
(For immediate release) |
573-526-4220 |
JEFFERSON CITY, MO, DEC. 3, 2007 -- As weather forecasts foretell winter's falling temperatures, those who predict the size of our winter heating bills say costs are likely to rise higher than ever -- but there is still time to do something about it. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Energy Center offers the following tips to help Missourians stay warm while saving energy costs during cold weather.
"All Missourians feel the pinch of rising energy costs," said Anita Randolph, director of the Missouri Energy Center. "We encourage households and businesses to explore these ways to make real energy and cost savings." Many households can cut heating costs and lower energy bills by trying some of these low-cost tips, whether the home uses natural gas, propane or electricity for home heating and cooking.
- Set back your thermostat. Each degree you lower your thermostat can cut your heating costs between 1 and 3 percent. The lower you set it, the more you'll save. A common strategy is to lower thermostat settings to 68 degrees.
- Turning your thermostat down 10 to 15 degrees during your sleeping hours or while you're away can save even more money on your heating bill.
- Invest in a programmable thermostat, which can be set to lower temperatures automatically at night or when no one is home.
- Clean or replace furnace air filters once a month. Have your furnace serviced before the heating season gets into full swing, to ensure it is operating safely and efficiently.
- Weatherize. Seal air leaks around doors, windows and other openings, such as plumbing and electrical penetrations and holes through the foundation, walls and ceiling. Add insulation around heating ducts when they are located in unconditioned spaces such as attics, crawl spaces, and garages. If you see holes or separated joints in your ducts, hire a professional to repair them.
- Check to see that your fireplace damper is tightly closed when it is not in use.
- Lower the thermostat on your water heater. For most uses, 115 degrees is comfortable.
- If you're planning to replace a furnace, or other heating system, install equipment that is highly efficient. Look for the ENERGY STAR® label to find the most energy-efficient equipment available.
- While you're at it, look for ENERGY STAR® labeled home electronics or other appliances that you may be considering for holiday gifts.
These tips for saving winter energy costs and more tips for everyday energy savings are available by visiting the Energy Center's Web page at www.dnr.mo.gov/energy/wintertips.htm.
The department's Energy Center is a nonregulatory state office that works to protect the environment and stimulate the economy through energy efficiency and renewable energy resources and technologies.
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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