Editorial: Maximize your home heating efficiency
Published 12:00 am Tuesday, October 18, 2005
The Tribune kicks off its heating series today with a look at the impact various factors play in determining the cost of fuel.
As the series continues, look for stories on
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How to make your home more energy-efficient in a range of prices,
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Determine when its time to replace your aging furnace
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Programmable thermostats &045; do they make a difference?
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What sort of winter are we in for? Severe weather could increase heating costs further.
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A look at incentives, grants and programs to help people on fixed incomes survive the season.
With natural gas costs up an estimated 77 percent, residents can expect to pay roughly 48 percent more. If they heat their homes with fuel oil will likely pay about 32 percent more; and propane users can expect to pay an estimated
30 percent more.
If these figures are even close to reality, residents will need to tighten their belts and find ways to winterize their homes to fend off old man winter’s biting chill.
We applaud Freeborn County for taking the lead in lowering its thermostat by two degrees. Though it seems a small number, the reduction will save the county about $4,000, while also saving fuel.
We encourage others to follow the county’s lead in finding ways to save money and maximize their business or home heating efficiency.