Clinton News-Record, 1984-10-24, Page 36Conserve Energy—Page 3
A home energy pla
Everyone seems to agree that energy con-
servation is a good thing and if you have
already taken even small steps you've pro-
bably noticed a difference in energy costs
and comfort.
The question most people ask is, "Where
do I begin?" The first critical step is to
understand' the total energy system that
your home represents. Reaching this
understanding means examining t4how
energy is used in your home, deciding what
improvements could be make and in what
order of importance and economic good
sense and, finally, taking the best approach
to getting the work done.
No outsider can hope to understand your
house as well as you. If you're seeking ad-
vice, you can save time and guarantee the
most accurate results by knowing your past
energy costs and the condition of your
various energy-related systems.
There are a number of places where you
can get advice of both general and specific
energy concerns. The HEATLINE,
available by calling 1-800-267-9563 toll free to
Ottawa, offers information about specific
conservation measures and programs. In
addition, you can obtain the free Ener$ave
Home Energy Analysis, which will predict
costs and benefits for various actions.
Energy, Mines and Resources Canada also
maintains offices in each province and ter-
ritory. These can be consulted for informa-
tion on grant assistance programs, publica-
tions and additional province -specific ser-
vices.
ing system cuts energy costs
VIII
0111!!!!!!!!!!!!! 111111
�i�II�IIIIIIIIi�IjI,
.: 11111111
41
111N 111111IIItIHIINllril
No matter where you live, provincial and
municipal governments, utilities, retailers
and manufacturers can all provide valuable
information and assistance.
The importance of thorough analysis and
planning is best appreciated when you
recognize the following points.
• Your home is usually the biggest invest-
ment you'll make — protecting it is impor-
tant.
• Where the best savings can be made is not
always " obvious — perhaps insulating a
basement will save more than adding in-
sulation to your attic.
• Locally available options, such as the use
of firewood for heating, can affect your
priorities and the rate at which other actions
pay off.
• The costs of different actions vary — some
things cost nothing and save a lot, others in-
volve large financial commitments and may
only pay off ever time.
It is hard to predict the degree of success
that each householder can expect. One thing
that is clear, however, 'is that doing nothing
is the most expensive option you can choose.
Simple steps toward
Developing a step-by-step approach to
energy management in your home is the
best way to get results for your money. Do-
ing it right can save you money now and
guarantee that your future energy costs will
be reduced.
Every situation is unique, but the follow-
ing steps cover most ,of what you need to
consider for wise home energy manage-
ment.
STEP I. EVALUATE, GET ADVICE
Expert advice is only a phone call away.
Energy, Mines and Resources Canada
( EMR) operates the HEATLINE, a toll-free
telephone advisory service in Ottawa (1-800-
267-9563) for those who want to save energy
but need consultation about what to do o in
their specific situation.
The free Ener$ave analysis of heat loss
The Ener$ave Home Energy Analysis is a
free service offered by EMR. Answer
Ener$ave's simple 30 -point questionnaire
and mail the completed form. The analysis
assesses the energy efficiency of your house
and helps determine the best ways to invest
in caulking, weatherstripping and insula-
tion.
Do-it-yourself analysis
Check for cracks and gaps around doors,
windows, the foundation sill plate, electrical
outlets on exterior walls, ceilings and the at-
tic. During such an analysis, existing insula-
tion levels should be measured to see where
improvements'are required.
Utility or commercial home energy analysis
Many utility companies offer home
ome energy savings
energy analysis as a service. Call your local
utilities to see if this service is available.
A growing number of energy audit com-
panies offer consultation, computerized air
leakage measurements and infrared heat
detection.
STEP 2. MAKE THE MOST OF LOW-COST
AND NO -COST ENERGY-SAVING OP-
PORTUNITIES
There are many simple ways to save
energy: turning lights out in unoccupied
rooms, closing fireplace dampers and tak-
ing advantage, of the sun's heat are just a
few. Can you make use of the examples of-
fered here in your home?
Turn thermostats down
For each degree (Celsius) you lower your
thermostat during an eight-hour period, you
will save nearly two per cent of your daily
space heating costs.
Install a programmable thermostat
Programmable or clock thermostats per-
form scheduled temperature setbacks
automatically.
Use your windows.
On winter days, open blinds or drapes to
allow the sun into living areas. Close win-
dow coverings at sunset in winter. In sum-
mer, use window coverings to keep out the
sun's heat. Open windows at night for cross
ventilation. Keep most windows shut during
the daytime.
Lower hot water temperature
A substantial saving in water heating can
Lowering furnace thermostat is first step
By now, everybody knows that the easiest
way to save a few dollars on their heating
bill is to turn down the furnace thermostat.
Chances are you've probably done this
already and had no trouble adjusting to
slightly lower indoor temperatures.
Lowering the thermostat is a good first
step, but what about all those times when
everyone in, the house is asleep or out? You
can probably manage to turn the heat down
then as well, but you won't always
remember. Even when you do, you'll have
to wait to get temperatures back to normal,.
The obvious solution is a thermostat that
will make these adjustments automatically.
Unlike many modern conveniences that cost
money, this one will pay for itself in a very
short time and continue to pay dividends for
years.
Clock thermostats are the leastxpensive
and can be preset for one or more setback
periods each day. Fully programmable
models are available also. These allow for
more flexibility in setback schedules. For
example, the most sophisticated models can
accommodate a complex weekly schedule
that looks after your daily comings and go-
ings and alters the schedule on the
weekends.
All of these thermostats can be used with
either forced air or water circulating heat
distribution systems. With hot water cir-
culation, the only difference is that setback
periods start earlier and end earlier to com-
pensate for the volume of water in the boiler
and circulation pipes.
These products are reliable and inexpen-
sive, and guarantee that you get the fullest
advantage from turning down the heat.
Energy savings of up to 20 per cent are not
uncommon, and with today's heating costs
this is good news indeed.
be obtained by reducing the heat setting on
your hot water tank.
Fix leaky hot water faucets
Wrap hot water pipes and tank with insula-
tion
Insulating jacket kits are available from
many hardware stores and some utilities.
There are safety concerns about the insula-
tion of some water heaters. Phone or write
your gas or electrical utility before pro-
ceeding.
Use outdoor clotheslines whenever possible
Shop for energy-efficient appliances
Look for and compare the Energuide
rating, which lists the typical monthly
energy consumption for new major ap-
pliances. A low energy rating means long-
term energy savings.
Improve appliance performance
Clothes washers and dryers, and
dishwashers are most efficient when used
for full loads.
Turn to page 11•
44340-4.
YORK
HAS
AN OFFER
YOU CAN'T
REFUSE
WORDS -FROM
JACK RIDDELL
Our M.P.P. Huron-Midc>o'esex
We in Ontario are among the
highest consumers of
per capita in the
Moreover, about
energy
world.
three
quarters of our energy supply
comes from outside. our
borders.
Significant dependence on oil
continues to be. Canada's and
Ontario's major energy
problems since we can never be
totally isolated from world
energy problems.
Fortunately Ontario consumers
are becoming more conscious of
the importance of energy
conservation and since October
1980 more than 159,000 home
owners have converted their
heating systems from oil to
other fuels.
However, much more needs to
be done. I believe that a strong
energy conservation program
must be established along with
promotion of the viable
development of renewable
energy sources which would
alleviate the worst effects of
possible world oil shortages.
• Buy a York Heat Pump by December 1st
and pay only 250/0'down
• Pay absolutely nothing more till
balance is due Match 1st, 1985
OR:
• Pay balance upon completion of
installation and receive a $250.00
rebate from York.
• Call your Certified York Dealer today
for more details
YORK®
Heating and Au Conditioning
YORK, CANADA'S NO. 1 NAME IN HEAT PUMPS.
BUCHANAN & HALL LTD.
134 Wilson St., Goderich
DONALD C. JOHNSTON.,, .524.7758
,Sales & Service
YCM8492