Ways to Keep Your Heating Bill Down

As we gear up for fall, it is important to understand ways to save money on your heating bills. We all have to stay warm this winter, but we do not have to go broke doing it! There are lots of things you can do, from setting your thermostat a few degrees lower to sealing any air leaks in your house. An article on MSN suggests you, "Learn to love socks. If your feet are cold, your whole body will feel cold, so make a point of wearing socks around the house in the winter. The next step if you’re still feeling cold: Bundle up in a sweater or a blanket rather than cranking up the heat." To read more of their suggestions for keeping your heating bills down, check out the full list.

How To Fix a Drain

Your drains are an important but often overlooked part of your home's upkeep. They are easy not to think about...until something goes wrong. But there are a few warning signs you can look for and a few simple maintenance tasks that you can perform to keep those drains in great shape. Here is a guide from Milani Plumbing about drain maintenance and repair:

How to Fix a Slow Drain: A Tip From Delta

Ever fill up a bathroom bowl or kitchen sink  in your Delta home with water and then wait forever for the water to drain? A clogged drain can take forever to free up and is often the source of frustration and a loss of precious time as you get ready for work or play.

The solutions to fixing a slow drain can be very simple or complex, requiring a little patience or expertise to a major service or repair bill. Let’s hope the solution is the former and not the latter. And here are some suggestions.

If your bathroom sink is draining slowly, remove the stopper and inspect it for any “cling-ons” – namely hair. One of the most common clogs can be hair wrapped around the shaft of the stopper. Remove the hair, replace the stopper, run some hot water and check to see how quickly the water drains down. If that simple fix doesn’t work, dig a little deeper.

Hair can be tangled in the flange or the horizontal rod and clip, further down the pipe. You may need to dig out the hair or debris with a long object like a screwdriver or wire hanger. Don’t bring out the “big guns” like a snake or auger if something simpler will do the trick.

Once the debris is cleared, you may even want to use a small hand plunger to force air down the pipe and remove any other residual debris that may be slowing down the water flow. These steps should clear up the problem. A liquid or granulated drainer cleaner may also break up the clog. Running hot water can do the trick, too.

If these solutions don’t work, a slow drain could be the result of a more serious problem. At that point you may want to use a snake on the problem or call a professional plumber to fix it.

If your kitchen sink drains slowly, the problem could be a build-up of food or grease in the pipes. Once again, using a plunger or chemical drain cleaner may solve the problem. But don’t discount the fact that something may be blocking the pipes, like a piece of bone or a child’s small toy (if you have a mischievous toddler). A visual check of the problem might be the simple solution to the slow drain “mystery.”

If you are at your wit’s end and the water drainage continues to be a problem, call a professional plumber.

Heating News

Here is an article from the Stanford Advocate about proposals to limit the heating aid to low-income families:

Concerns are mounting over Gov. Dannel P. Malloy's proposal to address a reduction in low income federal heating assistance by restricting payments to oil customers only, shutting out electric and gas users.

It remains to be seen if the governor's fellow Democrats in the General Assembly, critical of past Republican efforts to tighten eligibility requirements, will insist on maintaining higher benefit levels even if it means the cash-strapped state somehow foots the bill.

"This is why we have hearings -- to get ideas together and get experts to testify and figure out what we should do," said Sen. Anthony Musto, D-Trumbull, chairman of the Human Services Committee.

Every year in the late summer the governor submits a proposal to the Human Services, Energy and Appropriations committees and to the Low Income Energy Advisory Board to divvy up Connecticut's share of federal heating aid dollars.

Earlier this year, President Barack Obama recommended a major reduction to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, leaving Connecticut officials, who spent more than $115 million in federal dollars last winter, with an estimated budget of less than $50 million for 2011-12.

The Malloy administration last week unveiled a proposal to focus the dollars on homes heated by oil and propane deliveries. Officials reason that state law prevents electric and gas suppliers from shutting off delinquent customers between Nov. 1 and May 1, but fuel oil customers who rely on deliveries do not enjoy that protection.

"The administration's plan is a realistic approach in view of the deep cuts expected in federal funding," said Roderick Bremby, Malloy's social services commissioner. "These families and individuals are most at risk of freezing this winter."

But that approach, others argue, has serious consequences.

"I think there's substance to the (governor's) rationale you're able to keep more people heated during the season," said Rep. Bruce Morris, D-Norwalk, a Human Services Committee vice chairman. "My concern would be those who have electric heat and are not covered during this period of time will be in greater debt in the spring."

Brenda Kelley, director of AARP Connecticut, said senior citizens in particular will be affected by the eligibility limits.

"Even if they have shut off protection, that's not how our members think," Kelley said. "What they'll see is a looming bill at the end of the year." She said some seniors will keep their heat too low or forgo medication and food to pay for it.

Patricia Wrice is director of Operation Fuel Inc., a Bloomfield-based safety net for individuals who do not qualify for LIHEAP. Wrice, who also sits on the Low Income Energy Advisory Board, said there is no way Operation Fuel, which is mostly privately funded, has the resources to make up for the loss of aid to electric and gas users.

"We're an emergency program," Wrice said.

Former Rep. Steve Fontana, D-North Haven, who lost his re-election bid last November, is a former Energy Committee chairman. Fontana said ex-Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell a few years ago offered a proposal similar to Malloy's, shifting LIHEAP funds from electric and gas users to heating oil consumers.

"It's an understandable approach but overly simplistic and overlooks the fact our heating assistance has been based on need and income and not fuel source," Fontana said. "You're saying we're going to distinctly disadvantage one large population of people ... in favor of another. In the past we rejected that notion."

Democrats on the three legislative committees usually have opted to avoid major eligibility changes to LIHEAP, instead promising to use future surplus money or budget cuts to cover shortfalls. And Washington lawmakers have come through and released more heating aid than anticipated.

But, Ben Barnes, Malloy's budget director, said this year's LIHEAP cut is so steep that if the same benefit levels are maintained, the state will run out by November, in part because oil prices are anticipated to reach $4 a gallon.

"We'd have to stop giving out assistance," Barnes said. "We have to be realistic with the resources we have today."

Considering the current mood in Congress, Wrice said, Connecticut might even get less than the anticipated $50 million. She said lawmakers should be proactive and put some state revenues on the table now, while the weather is warm.

Though Malloy inherited a $3 billion-plus deficit when he took office in January, the state comptroller this month reported a $236.9 million surplus. However, that money has been committed to paying future retiree health care and 2009 borrowing obligations.

Barnes said even if state lawmakers somehow found the money now to provide more heating aid, it would undermine ongoing efforts to lobby Washington to come up with additional LIHEAP funds for the winter.

"We have more limited resources than the federal government," Barnes said.

Staff Writer Brian Lockhart can be reached at brian.lockhart@scni.com.

Read more: http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/local/article/Malloy-takes-heat-on-energy-assistance-plan-2177193.php#ixzz1YOonkasN

Have Fun this Fall!

Fall is in the air this morning in the Northeast, and it is nearly the weekend! If you can, get outside this weekend and start some of the great fall activities that your kids love. And even if it is still warm where you are, you can do many of these things and just be a little warmer doing them! Here is a great list from FamilyFun.com with some great suggestions:

Autumn is my favorite time of the year. I just love the crisp air and watching the leaves change. I'd like to encourage my kids to appreciate fall with some fun activities. Do you have any suggestions?

Heading out into nature is a great way to soak up this colorful season and enjoy the outdoors before cold weather sets in. A walk in the woods, fields or even a city park, gives kids an opportunity to witness the changing landscape up close. It's also a great way to come together after a busy school and work week.

You don't need special equipment for an afternoon jaunt--just some jackets, water and snacks. Kids may also enjoy bringing along autumn journals and crayons for recording observations and making leaf rubbings, and small paper bags for storing treasures found along the path. Once home, kids can use these finds as craft materials. They can create lasting impressions with faux fossils and clay coasters, make whimsical stick hats or use gathered leaves to print colorful autumn place mats.

A trip to a local apple orchard is another fun outdoor activity and offers families a chance to participate in the fall harvest. Most orchards usually open the first weekend after Labor Day (call ahead to find out about picking conditions and the availability of apples). Some farms also offer horse-drawn wagon rides, making the excursion a real adventure for kids. Pack a picnic and you can make a day of it. Don't fret if your family's picking enthusiasm results in a bumper crop of fruit--an abundance of apples means there will be plenty to spare for craft projects. Cut apples in half to create an apple-stamp bag, dry a few for funny-faced apple dolls and sour puss puppets or carve a set of candleholders. Just be sure to save enough to make an easy and delicious apple pie and some homemade applesauce. Wrap any unused fruit in newspaper and store in a cool, dry place.

Of course, if you have a yard full of deciduous trees and a yard full of leaves that need raking there are plenty of ways to play away an autumn day at home:

• Walk a leafy labyrinth. When leaves cover the lawn, rake a twisting pathway through them. Copy a classic maze for extra credit.

• Find a lollipop. Hide a wrapped lollipop under a leaf pile. The first one to find it keeps it.

• Stuff a scarecrow. Break out an old shirt and overalls and stuff until firm. Complete with a pumpkin head.

• Make a sun catcher. Using a low setting, iron a leaf between two pieces of waxed paper with a sheet of plain paper on top. Hang in a sunny window.

• Preserve a leaf. Bring a mixture of 2 parts water and 1 part glycerin (available in most pharmacies) to a boil in a saucepan (adults only). Pour the solution into a heat-proof container. Drop in a few brightly-colored leaves and gently submerge with a wooden spoon. Keep the container in a cool, dark place until there is a slight change in the leaves' tints. Then remove them and blot dry with a paper towel. Instead of turning brown and crumbly, the leaves will retain their brilliant hues.

• Play name that leaf. Go out into the neighborhood or local park and have players collect five unusual leaves. Back home, try to identify the trees they came from using guidebooks.

• Rake them into a huge pile and jump in!

Is Your Yard Ready?

Football has started, the kids are back at school, and summer is officially over. Is your house ready for winter? Even if you have done the typically things to get your house ready for fall, like have your furnace inspected and checking your house for leaks, you might have forgotten that your lawn needs maintenance too.  A little work this fall and it will be all ready for next spring, you won't regret any of the effort you put in. Here is a great article from ELA on a few things you should take care of in your yard:

Just because the weather is turning cooler doesn’t mean your work outside is done! Here are a few things you need to do to get your yard ready for fall, and ensure a great lawn and garden next year, too.

Fall is nearly here. You can smell it, feel the crispness of the air in the early mornings, see the beginnings of leaves changing color and the end of the rapid, lush growth of spring and summer. For many people, this is a favorite time of year, when the weather starts to get cooler but hasn’t yet gotten cold and wet.

Just because the most rapid part of the growing season is over doesn’t mean your work outside is done, however! There is a lot left to do if you want to properly prepare your yard for fall and, eventually, winter. Here are a few things that still need to be done.

• Check all landscape lights and other outdoor lighting. All of your outdoor lighting should be checked both spring and fall to make sure it’s in good working order and won’t be susceptible to moisture damage, especially in the wet winter months. Replace bulbs as needed, and be sure that your wiring is in good shape and well protected from the elements.
• Fertilize, aerate, and seed your lawn. Many people assume that just because the days are cooler and the flowers are no longer blooming, the time to do yard maintenance is over. Actually, the opposite is true. Fertilizing and aerating your lawn in the fall helps it to recover after the scorching heat of summer. Seeding in the fall also helps to fill in bare patches, because the grass can grow undisturbed by weeds.
• Mow to 2 or 2 1/2 inches, as needed. You will also need to continue mowing your lawn throughout the fall, until the grass totally stops growing. Between 2 and 2 1/2 inches is a good length. Long grass plus snow for a roof makes a perfect home for mice, so keeping your lawn short will help prevent animals from tearing it up during the winter!

Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality is an important thing to keep in mind when thinking about home maintenance. You can't see the air in your house so it is easy to overlook. But clean air is important for your health, and it will also help your HVAc equipment run more efficiently. Here are some easy tips from The Clean Act Air on how to maintain good indoor air quality.

There are a lot of reasons to clean your Canby house. Guests, children, pets, simple peace of mind – without the right amount of cleaning, a messy house can quickly get out of control. But, don’t forget the health benefits of removing excess dust and sediment from your home with regular cleaning. Of course, air cleaners are one solution, but there are other ways you can help improve your air quality. To ensure your indoor air quality stays good, here are a few basic cleaning tips you can implement right away.

Regular Vacuuming  – Most people vacuum occasionally when it’s obvious that carpets are getting a little messy. Consider increasing the frequency of your vacuuming to at least 3-4 times per week, possibly more, especially if you have pets. Regular vacuuming removes a lot of the airborne particles that can get into your lungs and cause allergies or asthma flare ups.

Remove Junk from Floor Spaces – Toys, garbage, clothes, and other random junk sitting on the floor can create air quality problems, especially if they are near or around vents.

Bathe and Brush Pets – Pet dander is a top contributor to indoor air quality problems. Bathe and brush your pets once a week to reduce hair loss and get rid of all that excess dander that builds up over time. Consider it an investment in the cleanliness of your home.

Shoes Outside – Shoes bring in pollen and other outdoor pollutants. Take them off outside and you will reduce the number of contaminants that make it inside.

Remove Moisture from Bathrooms – Bathroom moisture results in mold growth and the development of other allergens. Wipe down the walls of your shower and mop the floor daily to remove excess moisture after showers.

Food Waste – Throw away food waste immediately. Food in the sink or garbage can attracts bacteria and bugs and can result in mold growth very quickly. Consider a compost bucket or pile outside where food waste can be disposed or purchase a garbage disposal to get rid of it immediately after eating.

There are dozens more little things you can do that will reduce the amount of allergens and pollutants that build up in and around your home. Consider creating a simple calendar schedule you can follow from day to day to keep your indoor environment clean and healthy.

Are You Thinking Of Upgrading?

Is it time to upgrade your heating and cooling system?  Your HVAC System is a big part of utilities bill, and an upgrade might save you a lot of money in the long run. But where do you start? What are things you should look out for? Here is a great guide from the US Small Business Administration:

Heating and Cooling System Tips:

For commercial facilities, request an ACCA Manual N, and for home businesses request a Manual J, evaluation of your facility's heating and cooling loads before purchasing any major heating or cooling system. By following these guidelines you will receive a system that is sized appropriately for your facility.

Consider implementing efforts to reduce heating and cooling load before selecting equipment.

NEVER OVERSIZE! Avoid over sizing equipment at all costs. Over sizing equipment increases the capital cost at the time of the installation and the costs of operation of the equipment. Request that your HVAC professional conduct an Air Conditioning Contractors of America's (ACCA) Manual N Commercial Load Calculation to ensure proper sizing.

When selecting a new cooling system, have your HVAC professional provide you a quote and specifications for a standard-efficiency and high-efficiency unit including lifecycle costs. If the lifecycle cost is less on the high-efficiency unit, purchase it.

When purchasing Room Air Conditioners or Light Commercial heating and cooling units, select those units that are ENERGY STAR qualified.

Consider energy recovery ventilation systems to reclaim waste energy from the exhaust air stream and use it to condition the incoming fresh air.

In humid climates, consult your HVAC professional about supplemental dehumidification. By controlling humidity at your facility, you can increase occupant comfort and allow for further downsizing of equipment.

Consider specifying economizers. Often available at a low incremental cost, these units draw in fresh air from the outside when the temperature outside is lower than the temperature inside.

Install programmable thermostats and use automated settings to achieve savings.

At a minimum, specify National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) premium motors on HVAC equipment, and consider specifying variable speed drives (VSD) on condenser and evaporator fans.

In dry climates, consider evaporative coolers. These coolers use the evaporation of water to cool spaces, eliminating the need for energy intensive compressors.

For facilities that have heat-generating processes such as cooking, or onsite distributed generation equipment, consider heat recovery as a way to capture free waste heat and use it to offset facility heating and cooling costs.

For areas such as warehouses and garages, consider installing radiant heating. Radiant heating warms objects instead of the air, and requires less fuel. Radiant heat is also useful for warming exterior areas that require heating, such as patios and waiting areas.

Many buildings are impacted by what goes on inside the building just as much as (and sometimes even more than) the weather conditions outside. That is why it is important to properly size equipment and consider the use of a demand controlled ventilation system  coupled with economizers to meet the internal loads of the building, e.g., commercial kitchens, computer data centers, etc.nK