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| Check Pipes and Radiators |
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All hot water pipes should be insulated with inexpensive
foam or fiberglass tubing -- which will save you about 50 cents per foot of pipe
each heating season.
When you buy pipe insulation materials,
be sure to specify that you want at least R3 or R4. R value measures a material's
ability to reduce heat flow. The greater an R value, the better. (Note: If you
have a steam system, use fiberglass to insulate your pipes. Steam pipes can
get hot enough to melt foam.)
To keep your radiators working at
top efficiency, clean them regularly and make sure they're not blocked by furniture
or other objects.
Flat, dark colors are best for radiators,
shiny silver paint is worst. Homemade aluminum foil screens placed behind your
radiators will increase their performance by reflecting heat into the room.
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