Expert Contributor by Len Sciulli Len Sciulli & Sons
How To Save Money This Winter Heat pumps need maintenance twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall, so they will perform optimally during the periods of greatest use. Beyond saving money, annual service is a safety issue for combustion heating systems. Don’t risk your family’s safety or waste your money.
Upgrade Your Heating System If your system is older than 20 years, it’s time to consider replacing it. Replacing the unit with a higher efficiency unit will improve your comfort and reduce your heating costs. You may even be able to qualify for an energy tax credit! Here are a few simple steps you can take to cut your heating bill down to size.
Bundle Up & Lower Your Thermostat
Almost all of these are easy and inexpensive measures that you can take to lower your energy consumption (which is great for the environment) as well as your heating bills. Have a happy, healthy & safe winter! NS
It is nice to wander around the house in shorts and a t-shirt, but you will pay more for it in the winter. By wearing a sweater or sweatshirt, you might find yourself just as comfortable. Even a slight downward adjustment of the thermostat in the winter has a big impact on utilities.
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING
Use Programmable Thermostats Using a programmable setback thermostat will help to avoid forgetting after changing the thermostat. Plus, you can program the thermostat to restore the temperature just before you get out of bed and just before you get home.
Lower Temperatures More Overnight & When You’re Out Overnight, add an extra blanket and set the temperature back a couple of degrees to save more money. Of course, set the temperature back when no one’s home.
Seal Air Leaks Walk around the outside of your home and look for plumbing and electrical penetrations through the walls. If any are not well-caulked, add extra sealant. Don’t forget to weather-strip and/or caulk doors and windows.
Reduce Fireplace Heat Loss If you have a fireplace that is not in use, you should seal the flue. Even closed, fireplace flues are the source of a lot of air leaks. If the fireplace is used, add custom fitted tempered glass doors and seal the edges.
Tune Up Your Heating System Combustion furnaces and boilers require annual maintenance to operate at peak efficiency. Burners, for example, fall out of adjustment over the course of a heating season, wasting fuel.
Marple Newtown’s family owned and operated heating and cooling specialists for over 20 years.
We are fully licensed and insured to provide service, repair and installation for all of your residential and light commercial heating and cooling needs. Our commitment is to provide the dependable and high quality services that our customers have come to expect and count on. 24 Hour Emergency Service Service Plans Available 500 Abbott Drive, Suite E, Broomall, PA
PA HIC #PA030844 610-328-4341 www.LenAndSons.com
Bringing People Together in Print & Online @ www.NewtownSquareMag.com
7
