October 23, 2003
HEALEY KICKS OFF ENERGY AWARENESS MONTH
Provides tips to consumers to help them save money and energy this winter
MAYNARD – As part of Energy Awareness Month, Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey today visited the home of Mark Price to provide consumers with helpful tips on how to winterize their homes in order to save money and energy.
“With winter just around the corner, I encourage every resident in Commonwealth to fully explore the different ways to cut back on energy costs and consumption this winter,” said Healey. “Not only will individual families benefit, Massachusetts as a whole will come out ahead as well.”
Healey noted that approximately 40 percent of homes in Massachusetts are heated with oil. She said last winter’s oil prices were 51 percent higher than the previous year and that energy experts expect this year’s prices to be similar. Healey warned that a cold winter could push oil prices even higher.
She said, “Massachusetts residents don’t have control over the price of heating fuel, but there are measures all residents can take to reduce their heating bills while reducing their energy usage.”
Healey urged consumers to look at the following ways to save energy and money this winter:
Thermostats
Lower thermostat settings to 65°- 68° or less during high use periods and to 50°- 60° during sleeping and unoccupied periods. Experiment with degree settings and make the changes gradually to ensure comfort with the new temperatures.
Be sure thermostats are accurately calibrated to register correct room temperatures.
Install automatic setback thermostats that adjust the heat throughout the day.
Windows and Doors
Repair broken or cracked glass and putty older windows; check to see that windows close properly and window locks pull sashes together.
Make sure doors close properly; repair or replace non-working doorknobs, latches and striker plates.
Weather-strip windows, doors and attic accesses; caulk the frames around windows and doors from the inside using a clear, pliable caulk.
Replace standard curtains with insulated or quilted window coverings.
Install exterior storm windows, including cellar storm windows. For windows that are rarely opened, consider installing interior storm windows.
Draft Protection
Make sure fireplaces are fitted with a tight sealing damper that is closed when the fireplace is not in use. If a fireplace is used infrequently, use a chimney block to eliminate heat loss.
Caulk or stuff foundation cracks and openings. Make sure kitchen and bathroom vent dampers close properly.
Insulate attics (especially attics with less than seven inches of insulation), walls, and flooring over unheated crawl spaces or cellars.
Insulate heating ducts and pipes. Seal duct seams with appropriate tape or sealant specially designed for this purpose.
Heating Systems
Tune and clean oil-heating systems every year; tune gas-heating systems every two to three years.
For hot air heating systems, check the air filter monthly; clean or replace the filter if dirty. For hot water or steam heating systems, fix any leaks in the distribution system; replace malfunctioning air vents on distribution lines where necessary.
If replacing a present oil or gas heating system, consider purchasing a high efficiency unit with an Annual Fuel Use Efficiency Rating of 85 percent or more. Make sure the heating system is properly “sized” for the home; many systems are too large for the space being heated and the result is a considerable waste of energy.
Hot Water Savings
Install low flow showerheads and faucet aerators to save energy and water.
Reduce hot water heater temperature to 120°.
Repair leaking hot water faucets, tanks and pipes.
Lighting and Appliances: Check with Utility for Available Rebates
Replace incandescent light bulbs with energy efficient fluorescent lights. Over its lifetime, a fluorescent bulb will between $30 and $50.
Replace large appliances with an energy star appliance; there are often rebates from local utility companies available.
“You’d be surprised at the little things you can do at home or work that can have a dramatic impact on your well-being and energy costs,” said Beth Lindstrom, Director of Consumer Affairs. “Simply moving furniture that obstructs air ducts or radiators can dramatically improve the flow of heat in a room.”
“Last winter, consumers were hit hard by fuel prices and the outlook for this year isn’t any more promising,” said David O’Connor, Commissioner of Energy Resources. “Saving energy is an important way to help prevent large energy bills and these tips provide consumers with a first step toward managing their energy consumption.”
For additional energy savings, Healey recommended that residential customers take advantage of the statewide Massachusetts Home Energy Service by calling its toll-free number 1-866-527-SAVE (7283).
Massachusetts Home Energy Service covers the ratepayer funded energy efficiency programs from the gas and electric utilities. Heating oil customers may be eligible for some heating programs through their electric companies. The program includes incentives for such energy efficiency measures as insulation, lighting, and appliances.
For more information on the tips offered here as well as energy price information, visit the Division of Energy Resources website at www.mass.gov/doer.
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