16 - Friday, September 16, 1988 - North Shore News CONSUMERS CAN save hun- dreds of dollers by purchasing new high efficiency heating and cooling systems and other home ap- pliances, but the energy experts also say these ten practical steps will lower utility bills even more. 1. Repair weather-stripping and caulking. Look for air cracks around doors, windows and other openings, including pipes and ducts. Seal the cracks with caulk- ing or weather-stripping. Wiky pay to heat or cool the great outdoors? 2. Vary thermostat. Set the temperature between 65 and 70 degrees in winter (higher for elder- ly, sick, or infants). Reduce the setting to 55 to 65 degrees while sleeping or away. In summer, set air conditioning at 79 degrees or higher. If you won't do it yourself, have a ther- mostat with an automatic clock in- stalled. 3. Save hot water. Add an in- sulation wrap designed for your water heater. Reduce the water heater’s thermostat setting. Install water flow restrictors in showers 'rotect and faucets to cut hot water use without affecting your comfort. If your water heater is over 10 years old, consider replacing it with a new energy-efficient model. 4. Check your heating and cool- ing systems. Clean or replace filters as needed. Close vents in unused rooms. Insulate ducts and pipes in unheated spaces. If your equip- ment is old or needs major repair, replace it with an energy-efficient model. 5. Use sunlight effectively. Keep direct sunlight out in summer; let it in during winter. Drapes, shutters, awnings, shade trees, glass with reflective film, and solar screens help. 6. Make good use of appliances and lighting. Load dryers, washing machines, and dishwashers fully. Turn off unnecessary lights. Com- pare operating costs before you buy new appliances. 7. Check attic insulation. Instail the recommended level of insula- tion, Be sure to insulate the attic door. home during the day WHEN LEAVING home for a long vacation, smart homeowners take care to leave no signs telling burglars that they are out of town. Newspapers and mail are picked up every day, timers are set to turn lights on in the evening, perhaps someone stays at the house to keep an eye on things. Yet many Canadians go to work every day, leaving an empty house behind. Far too many return in the evening to find a broken window or a splintered door. Burglars can strike anytime you give them an easy opportunity. The first line of defence against burglary is a strong neighborhood. If you have neighbors who pay at- tention to strangers, the odds are that potential burglars will go to another part of town. If your whole community is close knit, and the police are fa- miliar with the people they are to protect, burgle -y will be rare. Beyond living in a safe com- munity, you can take steps to pro- tect your home. When you go to work you can use many of the methods that are suggested when you are on vacation. Make sure no garbage cans, mail, or newspapers announce your absence. Buy an inexpensive timer to turn a few lights on and off — and use it. To discourage burglars who already know you go to work every day, install strong doors secured by steel bolts and locks that are difficult to pick. Thieves don’t look for hard work when they know that they can kick down a door at some other house. Because windows are one of the easiest ways to enter a house, you may want to install metal bars or ’ shutters on the ground floor. The most secure homes also have reli- able alarm systems. These security measures can also protect you at night, when more than your property may be in danger. If you are burglarized, pick up the phone and report it immediate- ly to the police and to your in- surance agent or company. After making your calls, follow with a written report giving all the details of the crime — including a com- plete list of missing or damaged property. ” DEVELOPMENTS CO, LID. STRUCTURAL REPAIR SPECIALISTS ¢ FOUNDATION CRACKED? * WALL CRACKING? ® SINKING HOUSE? BUYING A HOME? CALL NORTH VANCOUVER 251-1116 WEST VANCOUVER 926-5541 8. Insulate under the floors. Check for adequate insulation under floors, around the base- ment, above the crawl space, and surrounding the foundation walls. 9. Improve windows. If you have single-pane glass windows, add storm windows or install new double-pane insulated windows. 10. Insulate outer walls. If you are remodelling or re-siding your house, add insulation. Regen [te tabi cduekaal @ As well as our top quality installations of ° Paving Stones “Rich shore | ¢ Retaining Walls Regency Dealer fi * Decks, patios & fences ancy kee - We now Offer Installation & Service of “Hunter” Irrigation Sysiems kak For a well-rounded landscape construction service from conception to completion, cal! 980-3045 (orneny Appian Pavers) This is a very special anniversary.... 40 years of supplying metropolitan area with the finest home furnishings from America’s most prestigious manufacturers... that’s almost three generations who have enjoyed selecting and saving on classic and contemporary * furniture for every room in their homes... come visit us during September and discover all over again that J. Collins has an almost endless choice of bedrooms, den rooms, dining rooms, living raoms, accessories and so much more... and right now, we're more affordable than ever! Furniture to last a lifetime. Made on the premises by the finest craftsmen. Hardwood frames properly dowelled and corner blocked. Webb and coil spring construction all 8-wvay hand tied. All fabrics pattern-matched and scotchguarded. Only the best materials used. cae Freaaad a. aod ; e INK ELE , : Vi THOMASVILLE GALLERY 4240 Manor Street, Burnaby (¥ block west of Villa Sheraton Hotel) 435-5566