My Storeboard.com blog is in the middle of a series on Independent Workers. I have posted three blogs on this important subject and plan to post two more. The links to the three blogs I have posted are at the bottom of this blog.
Unfortunately, it has been really cold in the USA during the past few weeks so I have decided to take a temporary break from my series and post a blog that I hope can help some readers.
The blog is about how to reduce your winter heating bill. I did research on this subject last week for a client. The client sells fireplaces so three of the 10 tips are about fireplaces although fireplaces aren't a particularly efficient way of heating a home.
Here are the 10 tips:
1. THERMOSTAT’S TEMPERATURE: The U.S. Department of Energy reports in an article entitled “Thermostats” that reducing the temperature in your home while you aren’t home can save you a lot of money -- up to 15 percent annually if you reduce the temperature by 15 degrees for eight hours daily. You will feel comfortable after increasing the temperature fairly expeditiously.
2. THERMOSTAT’S LOCATION: “Thermostats” reports that your thermostat will be more efficient if it’s placed where natural room air currents occur. This means not placing your thermostat near furniture and other objects that can block air’s natural movement.
3. FURNACE FILTERS: Replacing your furnace filter monthly during the winter can reduce your winter heating bill substantially although filters can cost only a few dollars, reports “15 low-cost ways to reduce your winter energy bill.” BobVila.com reviews furnace filters.
4. WATER HEATERS:The Residential Energy Services Network recommends setting the water heater’s thermostat to 120 degrees. Insulating older water heaters and hot water pipes also helps reduce the water heating bill.
5. CLOSING HOLES: Caulk can be used to fill in small cracks in your home that can cause cold air to enter your home and compel you to raise the temperature. Spray foam is advisable for larger openings. Areas around chimney, doors, electrical outlets, pipes and windows are particularly susceptible to cracks and gaps reports the “15 low-cost ways” article.
6. CLOSING DRAPES: Drapes help windows keep the cold out of your home more efficiently, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The DOE recommends closing the drapes during the evening and during the day when the sun isn’t shining on your windows.
7. VENT FANS:The Residential Energy Services Network recommends that people run their ventilation fan while they’re taking a shower and for 15 minutes after their shower is over.
8. FIREPLACE TIP NO. 1: Wood is “by far the most inexpensive fuel source," forester Bill Cook told CNBC in an article entitled “To burn less money, consider heating with wood.” Consequently, using fireplaces more can help people reduce their winter heating bill while making them comfortable.
9. FIREPLACE TIP NO. 2: Making sure that your fireplace chimney damper is working properly is important. So is making sure that it is tightly closed when it’s not being used, according to “How to Reduce Your Winter Heating Bill.”
10. FIREPLACE TIP NO. 3: Aluminum foil can make your fireplace more efficient, according to “5 low-tech home hacks to cut down your heating bill this winter.” Coating a fireplace’s rear wall with aluminum foil or heat-resistant metallic silver spray paint can “radiate heat back into your house,” according to the article.
Below are links to the first three parts of my series on independent workers. I plan on resuming the series later this week.
http://newyork.storeboard.com/blogs/employment/many-jobless-people-get-zero-unemployment-benefits/256527
http://newyork.storeboard.com/blogs/employment/dont-pay-attention-to-the-unemployment-rate/258566
http://newyork.storeboard.com/blogs/employment/independent-workers-have-no-social-safety-net/260257
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