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Hold on to Your Heating Bills
Survive Rising Energy Costs By Sue Marquette Poremba
(Hayden Publishing, 2005). To transport natural gas by ship would create safety and environmental hazards that few, if any, port cities want to deal with. What You Can DoUntil other energy sources such as wind farms, hydropower and solar panels become more readily available and cost efficient, there are plenty of ways to conserve heat and cut down on costs. Both Mast and Pahl emphasize the very first thing to do is turn the heat down, especially at night. "Wear more sweaters," Mast says. It seems like such an obvious suggestion, but most homes can turn down the thermostat a few degrees without discomfort. A programmable thermostat will allow homeowners to automatically control the heat when they aren't home or at night.
Each family can be creative with ideas, as well. In my house, for example, I try to use the shower immediately after my son. His shower has heated the bathroom, and I don't have to warm up the hot water. The bathroom is the coldest room in our house. Shutting the door after the showers keeps the room warm for hours.
Other suggestions include the following:
Block the leaks. Old windows and doors suck out warm air and let in cold. Clear plastic and tape seals the window and keeps the warmth inside. Push a rug up against doors leading outside, and make sure garage doors are kept shut if the garage is attached to the house.
Opn the blinds.