Turning over a new leaf.
will. do come spring when the
final thaw reveals a home and
grounds in need of cleaning and
repair.
This year, along with the
routine that’s as much a har-
binger as robin red breast, con-
sumers will turn their attention
towards ‘‘energizing’’ the
house in conjunction with tradi-
tional improvements.
Homeowners staying put
Still reeling from winter's
fuel bills, skyrocketing inflation
and double-digit interest rates,
homeowners are staying put and
improving what they've got in
an effort to beat the high cost of
living.
In fact, recent reports show
that consumers are spending a
record $58 billion on home re-
pair and renovation with a large
chunk ear-marked for improv-
ing energy efficiency,
energy bills.
As April.showers bring May
flowers, spend the time inside
checking that appliances are
working at maximum efficien-
cy.
® Repair leaky faucets. One
drop per second can waste as
much as 60 gallons of hot or
cold water per week.
® Check the hot water heater.
With hot water heating account-
ing for 20 percent of the home's
total utility bill, it’s important to
keep heaters working at
maximum efficiency.
According to the Water Qual-
ity Association, for home-
owners residing in the 80 per-
cent of the country that has a
hard water problem, installation
of a water softener can cut up to
Y% off the water heating bill.
Virtures of softened water
According to studies, when
water is softened, hardness
minerals that create scale
build-up on pipes are removed,
0
PAGE THREE
New siding can rejuvenate a
home’s aging exterior. But, it
should offer more than a quick
**facelift.’” It should reduce
maintenance and upkeep costs,
provide protection against the
elements, and add to a home’s
curb appeal.
Today’s popular sidings in-
clude aluminum, solid vinyl,
prefinished mineral fiber, hard-
board, factory finished steel,
and any of several wood sid-
ings.
With the wide variety of sid-
ings on the market, finding one
that suits your needs and fits
your budget shouldn’t be a prob-
lem.
Since siding plays a vital role
in a home's overall exterior ap-
pearance, select the style that
best enhances its architecture.
Depending on the choice of
color, texture and style, siding
can impart a modern or rustic
look to your home, or even
make it appear taller or wider.
Be sure the color you select is
one you're willing to live with
for many years.
When deciding to install new
siding, the National Home Im-
provement Council advises
homeowners to consider insulat-
ing the walls.
NHIC notes that the cost of
insulation can be reduced con-
siderably if done in conjunctio
with siding. Discuss this optio
with your contractor.
Unless you're a competent
handyman, the job of residing
might better be left in the hands
of a professional contractor.
Most chapters of the National
Home Improvement Council,
listed in the telephone book,
will provide names of reliable
contractors.
vide While major energizers such :
om- as insulation, weatherstripping helping the heater to work |
heats and storm windows may require Smoothly and efficiently. x
Tone a healthy financial commit- ® Keep lamps and lights ®
Ci ment, there are some simpler clean. When bulbs are heated, Greatly inflated home heating bills are a painful reminder . :
uh measures that take little 5 they attract dust and dirt which that the world's fuel supplies are limited. Although there is First by having our Energy Conservation
than extra time and some com-
mon sense, report experts at the
Water Quality Association.
Helpful measures
® On the exterior, check
wals and foundation for cracks
or damages. Repair immedi-
ately to prevent water, wind,
and mud from seeping in.
® Keep storm windows in
place during the summer
months. They prevent heat gain
just as they prevent heat loss.
® Plant trees and shrubs with
a southern exposure. This thick
leaf shading will lessen air con-
ditioning demands and saves on
can reduce light by as much as
50 percent.
® Inspect the door seal on re-
frigerator and freezer. If con-
densation or frost appears, re-
pair immediately. Another way
to test is to close the door on a
sheet of paper; if it pulls out eas-
ity, the seal needs attention.
A more efficient home
This season as homeowners
begin the annual spring cleaning
tradition, many will include
energy savings measures that
help cut costs and keep the en-
tire household working more ef-
ficiently.
extreme amount
ROOF
“SIDING
pt
Ps NAA lA eB
Repair|lll-fitting Windows and Doors. WINDOWS
i
oe WATER LEAKS: 3
Repair leaky faucets and Toilets, ;
Fittings. .
e STORM DOORS &
. CRACKS &
WINDOWS: A, 1
Weed & IT eo DRAFTS: HOT WATER x £
Cutt Stop drafts due to cracks, drafty wall Pass 7// BASEMENT FLOOR
utter I outlets, inefficient fireplaces. ATE
Sa
Gentle Waemth Enteepeises
“THE ENERGY SAVING PEOPLE"
: A 947 MARKET STREET - KINGSTON, PENNSYLVANIA 18704 - PHONE 287-8963
asy-to-handle
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