Condusta Mechanical, Inc.

Did you know that up to 20 percent of your home's warm air can leak out through a rusty or loose fireplace damper. Use a fireplace plug to keep warm air from escaping through a leaky chimney damper. When you use the fireplace, reduce heat loss by opening dampers in the bottom of the firebox (if provided) or open the nearest window slightly--approximately 1 inch--and close doors leading into the room. Lower the thermostat setting to between 50 and 55F.

For an energy efficient way to keep your home cool this summer, keep all windows and blinds closed during the daytime if you are not home. Open everything back up in the evenings to let the cool, fresh air indoors.

Homeowners tip: Be wary of frozen pipes! *Don't use a propane torch to thaw frozen pipes. This is a fire hazard. Use a space heater, heat lamp, or hair dryer to thaw the frozen length of pipe. *If you suspect your pipes have burst due to freezing, shut off the water main. (Anyone who lives in the house should know where the water main shut off is located. It can cost you thousands of dollars if they don't!) *If you suspect your pipes may freeze, turn the farthest faucet from the front of the house on to a running trickle. (This is usually the kitchen or a vanity.) Also, it may help to turn your thermostat up roughly 4 degrees.

Homeowners tip: Whether or not you're in the market for a new water heater right now, it’s important to be prepared for the day your water heater goes. Even the best storage water heaters run efficiently on average 8 to 10 years. When your water heater quits, instead of scrambling to replace it with one just like it, seize the opportunity to make an informed decision on a water heater that may save you money and operate more efficiently and effectively for a long time. A growing favorite are the tankless water heaters because, with this type, you never run out of hot water.

September and October are the perfect time in NEPA to get your annual furnace/boiler checkup. Your home heating system has likely gone unused for the past few months. Before its peak performance is needed in the dead of winter, make sure it's ready by getting a boiler or furnace tune-up now. Annual tune-ups will extend the life of your heater and keep it running efficiently throughout the winter.