Gas and Heating, Save a Dollar
JDC INSITE: Here are some short and long term reminders to help deal with gasoline usage and heating for the upcoming season.
... Keep your tires inflated at maximum pressure. Low pressure can cost you 10% more per gallon...10 cents a dollar. Not an insignificant amount.
... Unload your trunk to lighten the weight of the car.
... Try using your air conditioner less, or at a lower speed.
... Drive at a more consistent speed.
... Make sure your air filter is clean.
... A can of "Heet" in your gas tank can help you get better performance.
... Consider a temporary change in driving patterns and use (I know, this is a bummer)
Home heating estimates could rise up to 30% more than last year. People who heat with oil will experience a higher percentage of increase. Don't panic, take one day at a time. There is no one solution to this issue. Review what can be done to keep the cold out and the warmth in. The options may not seem important individually, but combined can help.
... Try a monthly payment schedule with your local gas company ... at least for this upcoming season. If the cost skyrockets you have a little flexibility, even though you pay over a longer period of time. It can help with the stress factor making it easier to cope.
... Install a thermostate that allows you to adjust the temperatures. Depending on your life style and needs the savings can be significant. Thermostates in this area start around $40.00.
... Clean your forced air and boiler system. Dust can play havoc and block air flow.
... Put a new filter in your furnace at the beginning of the season.
... Make sure vents are completely free of furnishings to allow air flow to properly blast out and up.
... Clean radiant hot water coils, that my have become dusty. Definitely helps. Make sure the flap openings are wide open. Older models can close slightly from floor vibrations.
... If there are rooms of less use, keeping those doors closed helps to keep the rising heat in the areas of more use.
... If you have zoned hearing, consider substantially lowering temperature in the less used areas.
... Wash full loads of laundry. Too many of us wash small loads, which takes almost as much hot watter as a regular load.
... Clean your duct piping to the outside in your gas dryer for a better drying factor.
... Make sure door thresholds are tight and window seals are good.
... If you have shutters, use them, if not you may want to consider installing them inside.
... If you have drapes, close them as needed.
... Consider plastic sealing of windows
... Consider all the regular options, like caulking
... Use your fireplace with the glass door closed. You'll still have the romantic ambience without losing the heat.
If you have further suggestions, please comment, or e-mail The Jane Doe Chronicles at JaneDoeChronicles@comcast.net
Copyright 9/09/05 cgh-CeCe Day Hill, Jane Doe Chronicles (c) All Rights Reserved
Copyright 9/09/05 cgh-CeCe Day Hill, The Jane Doe Chronicles (c) All Rights Reserved
... Keep your tires inflated at maximum pressure. Low pressure can cost you 10% more per gallon...10 cents a dollar. Not an insignificant amount.
... Unload your trunk to lighten the weight of the car.
... Try using your air conditioner less, or at a lower speed.
... Drive at a more consistent speed.
... Make sure your air filter is clean.
... A can of "Heet" in your gas tank can help you get better performance.
... Consider a temporary change in driving patterns and use (I know, this is a bummer)
Home heating estimates could rise up to 30% more than last year. People who heat with oil will experience a higher percentage of increase. Don't panic, take one day at a time. There is no one solution to this issue. Review what can be done to keep the cold out and the warmth in. The options may not seem important individually, but combined can help.
... Try a monthly payment schedule with your local gas company ... at least for this upcoming season. If the cost skyrockets you have a little flexibility, even though you pay over a longer period of time. It can help with the stress factor making it easier to cope.
... Install a thermostate that allows you to adjust the temperatures. Depending on your life style and needs the savings can be significant. Thermostates in this area start around $40.00.
... Clean your forced air and boiler system. Dust can play havoc and block air flow.
... Put a new filter in your furnace at the beginning of the season.
... Make sure vents are completely free of furnishings to allow air flow to properly blast out and up.
... Clean radiant hot water coils, that my have become dusty. Definitely helps. Make sure the flap openings are wide open. Older models can close slightly from floor vibrations.
... If there are rooms of less use, keeping those doors closed helps to keep the rising heat in the areas of more use.
... If you have zoned hearing, consider substantially lowering temperature in the less used areas.
... Wash full loads of laundry. Too many of us wash small loads, which takes almost as much hot watter as a regular load.
... Clean your duct piping to the outside in your gas dryer for a better drying factor.
... Make sure door thresholds are tight and window seals are good.
... If you have shutters, use them, if not you may want to consider installing them inside.
... If you have drapes, close them as needed.
... Consider plastic sealing of windows
... Consider all the regular options, like caulking
... Use your fireplace with the glass door closed. You'll still have the romantic ambience without losing the heat.
If you have further suggestions, please comment, or e-mail The Jane Doe Chronicles at JaneDoeChronicles@comcast.net
Copyright 9/09/05 cgh-CeCe Day Hill, Jane Doe Chronicles (c) All Rights Reserved
Copyright 9/09/05 cgh-CeCe Day Hill, The Jane Doe Chronicles (c) All Rights Reserved
posted by The Jane Doe Chronicles | 1:35 AM
2 Comments:
Hi KB --- I appreciate your opinion. You made my day.! I look forward to looking at yours over the weekend.
Jane Doe
Hi the angina guru - appreciate the referrals. Will take a look this weekend.
Jane Doe
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