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As the Temperature Falls
Energy-Saving and Safety Tips from Breton Electric
With winter just a few months away, it’s time to make sure you will not be
spending more than you must during the cold weather season. While some
energy saving projects, such as investing in double-pane windows,
insulation, or a new furnace entail significant upfront costs, they can pay
for themselves pretty quickly by saving you money on your heating bill.
However, there are a number of less expensive things you can do that will
also help you conserve heat.
Get
your furnace checked by a professional to make sure that it is working
safely and efficiently. And, don’t forget to change furnace filters every
month or so, especially if you have indoor pets that shed. A dirty filter
will slow the air flow and make your furnace work harder and thus use more
fuel.
Using programmable thermostats will also reduce your energy bill. According
to the US Department of Energy, “A common misconception associated with
thermostats is that a furnace works harder than normal to warm the space
back to a comfortable temperature after the thermostat has been set back,
resulting in little or no savings. This misconception has been dispelled by
years of research and numerous studies.
The fuel required to reheat a building to
a comfortable temperature is roughly equal to the fuel saved as the building
drops to the lower temperature. You save fuel between the time that the
temperature stabilizes at the lower level and the next time heat is needed.
So, the longer your house remains at the lower temperature, the more energy
you save.”
Of
course, the easiest way to reduce your heating fuel bill is to seal up any
air leaks in your home. Check for drafts around doors, windows, and
electrical outlets on outside walls. While you are checking the outlets,
take the time to ensure that they are not overloaded and that the cover
plates are not warm to the touch.
As
you winterize your home, use the following checklist, courtesy of Safe
Electricity®, (www.safeelectricity.org) to make sure that your home is also
free of electrical fire and shock risks:
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Check outlets and extension cords to make sure they are not overloaded
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Examine electrical cords to make sure they aren’t frayed, damaged or placed
under rugs or carpets.
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Make sure that the proper wattage light bulbs are being used in light
fixtures. Screw bulbs in securely. Loose bulbs may overheat and burn shades,
drapes or nearby furniture
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Look for these signs of electrical problems: switch plates, outlet covers,
cords and plugs that are warm to the touch; and cut, broken or cracked
insulation on electric wiring; frequently blown fuses or tripped circuit
breakers. If these signs are present, you need a safety inspection by a
licensed professional.
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Replace worn and outdated circuitry and add enough outlets for appliances
and electronics. Hire a licensed professional to do the work.
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Make sure outlets in wet locations such as bathrooms, kitchen laundry and
outdoors have ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). Test them and reset
them monthly. If these outlets do not have GFCIs, have them professionally
installed.
Breton
Electric is an electrical service and contract company based in Wakefield
MA. For additional safety tips, information about reducing energy costs, how
to recycle mercury-containing bulbs, and more, see
www.bretonelectric.com
or call 781-245-0787.
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