Stretch Your Energy Dollar > Do It Yourself!

Every now and then your heating system could use a little TLC. There are many things that homeowners can do themselves to help conserve. During the pre-season tune-up and during the winter, make sure that:

Radiators and baseboard units are clean and free of heat-resisting dust and dirt.

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Vents, radiators and baseboards are not blocked by furniture and drapes.

Hot water pipes in unheated areas, such as attics and crawl spaces, are insulated. Home supply stores carry inexpensive foam tubing that is designed to be easily installed on hot water pipes.

Water radiators are bled of air once or twice each season. At the end of the radiator line, carefully open the small valve and place a cup under it to catch the hot water. Air and hot water together will sputter and spray out. When only water emerges, shut the valve again.

Filters on forced-air furnace systems are changed once each month. If the system has a permanent screen, wash or vacuum it periodically.

Registers are kept clean and are not blocked by furniture or carpets. If a register must be located under a chair, for example, attach an air deflector.

Airflow between rooms is adequate by undercutting doors so there is at least one-half inch of space between the bottom of the door and the top of the rug pile. This will allow air to move freely to the return and avoid pressure imbalances that can increase the rate at which warm air leaks out of the house and cold air leaks in.

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