From Eveningsnews.com

Home Improvements
Tips to Help Keep Out The Cold This Winter
By
Oct 2, 2005, 01:03


(NUI) - Winter is coming, and you may be opening your door to the uninvited cold if you haven't prepared your home for the wintry chill.

Don't let Jack Frost creep indoors this winter. Prepare for the cold with these ideas from the makers of Heil brand heating and cooling products to help you save money and stay warm this winter:

* Get a yearly system checkup. Each year, have a qualified heating and cooling service contractor check your system, perform routine maintenance and make sure it is running at top efficiency. Preventive maintenance to your home or heating system could save you money and energy. To find a contractor near you, go to www.heil-hvac.com, and click on the dealer locator button.

* Seal the leaks. Seal leaks in your ductwork, water pipes and attic vents, and around windows, doors and other openings to dramatically reduce your home heating bill.

* Turn on the fan. Spend a few dollars a month to keep your central heating system fan running all the time. This will keep air moving in your house to prevent the coldest air from settling on the floor downstairs. Furnaces with high-efficiency blower motors, such as the Heil QuietComfort VS 90 and VS 80 models, reduce the cost of continuous operation.

* Cover your water heater. Decrease the temperature of your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to provide adequate and more cost-efficient hot water. An insulating blanket will help trap that heat.

* Add more insulation. One of the best ways to keep out the cold is to make sure your home is well insulated. Some older homes may not have enough insulation or it may have settled over time. Check your insulation and add more if it needs to be replenished.

* Upgrade your heating and cooling system. In the long run, purchasing a new and more energy efficient system can cost less than keeping an older and less energy efficient system. The Heil QuietComfort line of variable-speed gas furnaces provides your home with energy efficient comfort, saving up to 50 percent in electricity over furnaces equipped with conventional blower motors.

For more tips on keeping your home warm, check out the Heil Home Comfort Tip of the Day at www.heil-hvac.com.

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