Cynthia Munoz
Published: November 22, 2006
With the winter season rapidly approaching, now is the time to start preparing for cold weather.
Jeff Wooters, PJC biological sciences professor, has come up with some simple and inexpensive tips that can help save energy costs during this winter season.
“Most of us spend a lot of money heating the great outdoors in the winter because our homes leak air to the outside through cracks and crevices,” Wooters said.
One simple winter-proofing solution is to replace old weather stripping with new stripping.
“Buy a can of spray foam (at any hardware store) and fill cracks around windows, doors, foundation or brickwork,” Wooters said.
A lot of hot air can also seep through electrical outlets. Wooters suggests getting thin foam inserts that go directly under the outlet cover.
“They are very effective and cost only a few cents per outlet,” Wooters said.
For those who have electric heating, steep power bills can be damaging to your wallet.
“Try installing a few compact fluorescent bulbs,” Wooters said, “to save money on lighting and offset the increases in energy consumption.”
After securely winter-proofing your home, turn your attention to what gets you there: your vehicle.
According to Don Gulley, automotive adjunct instructor, checking the anti-freeze (use manufacturer specified), and maintaining oil changes can help prevent winter automotive woes.
“Every 3,000 miles should be fine,” Gulley said.
You might also consider getting a minor tune-up, Gulley said.
“Another tip is to pressurize your tires,” Gulley said. “You may also want to check your charging system, including your battery.”
National Public Radio’s automotive experts and <b><a href=”http://www.cartalk.com/”>”Car Talk”</a></b> radio show hosts Tom and Ray Tappett strongly recommend a battery check since cold weather alters the battery’s performance. The brothers’ Web site offers several tips to winterize your vehicle.
“You need MORE power to start the engine in winter, and you also get LESS power from the same battery. If you find that you need a new battery, get the biggest, meanest, ugliest battery that will fit in your car.”
And as for stubborn ice refusing to melt with the car’s defrosting button, do not put hot water on your windshield, Gulley said. It can crack the glass.
“Pour cool water over your windshield,” said Gulley, “or Rain-Ex to eliminate the ice.”
To avoid ruining the windshield or wipers, make sure the window is wet before turning on the wipers.
Also, on those chilly mornings when you have to run to your car to get out of the cold, most new cars are a little more environmentally friendly and do not require to be warmed up; if it is an older model, start your car and let the engine gradually warm up – that way the windows can defrost too.
Look for more tips in winter weather proofing in the next issue of The Corsair and links online at www.ecorsair.com.