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"The fall is the time to prepare and update your home to help lower your
expenses during the cold months ahead," says
Thermostat Combat
When consumers start to notice an increase in energy costs, most will
simply turn down the thermostat. To get more mileage from your thermostat,
invest in a programmable one like the 5 + 2 Day Programmable ENERGY STAR(R)
Thermostat (Item # 126338,
Seal the Deal
Insulate and seal the sources of air drafts to save up to 20 percent on
heating and cooling costs. Common areas where air seeps out of the home
include windows, baseboards, doorways, electrical plates, gypsum board,
fireplaces and door sweeps. To test for leaky windows or doors, place a
playing card into the crevice of an outside door or window. If it fits, you
need more weather stripping. Seal your windows with Caulk items such as GE
Silicone II Premium Waterproof Window and Door Caulk (Item # 47970,
Another easy way to reduce your energy bills is by making sure your attic is properly insulated. If you can see the wood beams (joists) in your attic, chances are you need more insulation. This simple addition of insulation can assist in reducing up to 40 percent of your home's energy loss.
Greet the Heat
Zone heating with vent-free gas products (fireplaces, logs or space heaters) and portable electric heaters can help keep you warm without heating the whole house, allowing you to lower your thermostat to reduce your bills. Supplemental heating sources allow you to get a great return on your energy investment.
Alternative ways to heat the home include wood stoves, which burn logs to generate heat, and pellet stoves, which burn specially manufactured pellets to produce heat with little ash. Vent-free gas and stove products are available on a market specific basis according to local codes.
In addition, by using a ceiling fan along with your heater, you can save up to 40 percent on your utility bill. In the winter, ceiling fans should rotate clock-wise to cycle the warm air that rises.
Detect and Protect
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for use and placement of heating devices. Many units have built-in safety features like automatic shutoffs, anti-tipping devices and heat guards to help you rest easy throughout the winter.
If you're adding a new heating device to your home, it's a great time to
check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If you don't have a detector,
keep your family safe by installing one, such as the Kidde DC Voice-Alert CO
and Smoke Alarm (Item #143036,
Always keep a fire extinguisher near heating units and read all the directions before attempting to put out a fire and be sure to select an appropriate size fire extinguisher you can physically handle. Also, keep young children away from the heating devices in the home to avoid contact burn injuries.
For more tips and products on how to heat your home and save on heating
costs, visit Lowes.com/energy or your local
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With fiscal year 2007 sales of
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