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I know that you're all going to find this hard to believe, but my house has been under seige of a horrendous stomach virus....I swear I'm gonna burn the damn house....I"ve been sick for over a month now.
Anyway, since I had previously discussed "Cold Weather", I thought that you all might be interested in the following, which I received from a friend.


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October 19, 2005
Heating Your House for Less

If the heat isn't on yet, it soon will be, and it's going to cost us dearly this year. According to a new government report, we'll be paying about a third more to keep warm this winter. That 30% increase could actually rise to 50% if winter is as unusually cold as it's predicted to be.
NBC's Today show invited TOH general contractor Tom Silva on to dispense simple suggestions for saving energy. Here are some tips you might want to consider: + Service and clean gas and oil furnaces at least once a year. Changing the oil filter greatly effects its efficiency. + Give water heaters a once-over as well. They're responsible for nearly 15% of your energy use. + Make sure vents for appliances have louvers that close so air can't get in. + Invest in quality storm windows and add weatherstripping to windows and doors. Heat escaping through windows accounts for 10% to 25% of your heating costs. Here are some more ways you can thicken your cocoon.
12 Simple Ways to Cut Heating Bills
Each degree you lower your thermostat cuts your fuel bill by 3%. Turn it down. Open fireplace flues let out the same amount of hot air as a 48-inch window. Close them. Learn 10 more tips here.
6 Medium-Sized Projects That Will Shrink Your Energy Costs
Sealing attic and furnace ducts using materials that cost less than $50 will slash 30% from your energy bill. Also consider a professional energy audit. Read about another four projects here.
Fall Furnace Maintenance (subscribers only)
TOH plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey demonstrates how a professional should service an oil-burning, forced-air furnace (and the basics are similar for a gas system).
A Pro's Take on State-of-the-Art Heating
Live in a climate where temps are below 70° F for more than half the year? Rich Trethewey recommends a single, fuel-stingy boiler to supply both heat and hot water for maximum comfort and efficiency. He's also hot on radiant floors. The heat is gentler and more efficient.
Space Heaters Can Make Sense—But Not Often
In a small, tight house, an efficient gas furnace is cheaper to run than a pair of space heaters. Here's how to figure the cost of running a portable heater — and how to use one safely.
Heating With a Wood or Pellet Stove (subscribers only)
Are you ready to remove ashes, lug wood or pellets, and tend the fire? Do a cost-benefit analysis before buying one of these babies.
The Skinny on Flat-Panel Radiators
More common in Europe than here, flat-panel radiators are unobtrusive and quiet, while providing comfortable, customizable heat in every room.
Videos on Demand:Draft-Proofing Old WindowsInstalling a Programmable ThermostatMaintaining a Steam Radiator
More Know-How
Winterizing Evergreens
What's the best product to feed hemlocks? Any one that's designed specifically for evergreens — and the time to nourish 'em is now! Roger Cook shares his tips for keeping trees healthy through the winter.
Some Commonsense Rules for Maintaining a Flat Roof
Flat roofs demand more attention than pitched roofs, but depending on your situation, flat might be the better bet.
Picking House Paint
You can tell a good paint by its can if you know what to look for.
Choosing and Installing a New Showerhead
There are dozens of new ones that will make your morning nicer and conserve water. Check out the latest models. Plus: installation instructions
Set Up a Wireless Computer Network
Set up your Wi-Fi network so you can surf the Web without interruption.
Video On Demand: Installing a Deadbolt Lock
4 Ways to Eliminate Dimmer Buzz
A dimmer switch actually turns a light on and off up to 120 times per second, which can cause a bulb's filament to vibrate and buzz. Here's how to eliminate the noise.
Send Us Your Remodeling Tips
The Ask This Old House TV crew is looking for tips on tools, materials, and processes — anything related to home repair and remodeling. Send a tip now.
Let Us Lease You an '06 Ford F-150!
It's our Meet This Old House Tour sweepstakes! Enter now for your chance at a two-year lease on the F-150, a $5,000 Home Depot gift card, a $3,000 Discover gift card, or a trip for two to the set of This Old House!
Sweepstakes: Win $25,000 for Your Next Project
Enter now for a chance to win $25,000 toward your next home improvement project.
Spend Some Time With This Old House Crewmembers!
Master carpenter Norm Abram and plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey will storm Atlanta Oct. 20 to visit with you on this, their last tour stop this year.