Callaway County
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August 2001 |
Tips to Avoid Higher Air Conditioning Bills Websites for Seniors Social Security eNews Missouri State Fair |
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Return to 'The Senior View' Home Page
As
the weather gets hotter and utility costs increase, it is
important to take steps to ensure that your home is energy
efficient as possible. What
should homeowners do? It’s
simple. M and M. Minimize
the amount of air-conditioned air leaking from your home and Maximize
every last BTU of natural gas or kilowatt of electricity.
How? Upgrade Attic
Insulation – Check your attic
to make sure there is at least 12” of insulation.
If not, upgrade to the latest recommended level of
insulation for your geographic area.
Insulate
Your Basement
– Basement walls should be insulated to at least an R-10 if they
are more than 50 percent below grade.
If they are more than 50 percent above grade, they should
be insulated to the same levels recommended for above grade walls. Insulate
Your Floors and Crawlspaces
– Check for adequate levels of insulation under floors, over
basements, and in crawlspaces.
Make sure the floors are insulated with at least 6-1/4”
thick R-19 fiberglass insulation. Install
a Programmable Thermostat
– Programmable thermostats raise or lower home temperatures
around your living schedule.
When you are out of the house, program it to a higher
temperature, in the 80s. Before
you return, it lowers it to the 70s.
These measures can help you save up to 10 percent on your
annual cooling bill. Check
Your Cooling System
– To improve the efficiency of your cooling system, change the
filters monthly, clean the registers, and have your unit serviced. Weather-stripping,
Caulking, and Sealing
– Check to see that all cracks around windows and doors,
electrical box openings and plumbing penetrations, the joints of
corner trim and siding, and the joints of roof eaves are caulked
and weather-stripped to avoid cooling loss. Plant
Trees and Shrubs
– Hardy, low-lying evergreens and shrubs planted close to the
foundation of a house help slow the loss of conditioned air during
the summer. Leafy
deciduous trees are best planted in front of sunny windows, as
they will minimize sunlight and the warmth of it into your living
area. Install
Drapes on Windows
– Drawn drapes can help keep warm air out and cool air in your
home. To
conduct an audit of your home on your own, visit the Department of
Energy’s website at www.homeenergysaver.ibl.gov. Adapted
from: CertainTeed Home Institute, Tips to Avoid Higher Air
Conditioning Bills, www.certainteed.com
Did
you know?
Missouri
State Fair 2001 ~ August 9th – 19th |
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