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Preparing for Winter

Last year's winter is still fresh in our minds, and this year wouldn't be better.

We all remember how cold, long, and miserable last year's winter was.  With several weeks hovering near zero degrees with days of brutal winds and of course the normal amount of snow. With cold temperatures lasting into March and April it seemed that we would never see the warmth of Spring and Summer.  Now here we are in September with morning temps in the 50's and high's only reaching the mid 70's, reminding us that Winter is right around the corner.

A lot about this Winter has focused on the possibility of an El Nino happening, reports have varied in the chance of it happening and the severity.  Most recent reports are saying that we're going to have 60-65% chance of a weak El Nino toward the end of 2014. What that means is that we're expecting to have a winter as cold and snowy or worse than last years winter.

That means another winter of high energy bills, whether its from Natural Gas, Propane, or Oil. There are somethings that you can do now to help combat against the winter cold to keep your home warmer and use less energy this winter.

First while Mass Save continues to accept rebates on heating equipment, now is the best time to have your heating system upgraded to a more energy efficient newer model.  New Oil boilers or furnaces use less fuel while producing the same or more energy. 

Next is having your home properly insulated, insulation not only keeps the cold from getting into your home through the walls and the attic but it also prevents against heat escaping.  Keeping the heat that you paid to produce in your home longer makes your heating system work less.  Insulating exterior walls is important but it most important to have your attic properly insulated as heat rises.

Closing off drafts caused by door and window cracks is another great way to reduce the amount of heat that is lost and the amount of cold that enters into your home.  This can be achieved by either updating your windows to energy star qualified models or by placing draft blockers on the bottom of doors.

As we start to get use to the idea of another cold winter, it'll help to look into this money ventures to help lower your long term energy use during the winter months.  Some of this will even help you save energy during the summer too!

by Robert Stahelski

ckSmithSuperior Santoro Oil Gas Doctor

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