18 - Friday, November 25, 1988 - North Shere News

Buy energy-efficient home
now to save dollars later

NATIONAL ENERGY experts
predict increases in the cost of
electricity and natural gas through
the end of the century.

That could be a bleak forecast
for homeowners since, after mor-
tgage payments, heating and cool-
ing costs are today’s biggest ex-
pense — approximately two-thirds
of monthly utility bills.

But, new-home shoppers can
beat high heating and cooling costs
by paying careful attention to
energy efficiency befcre they buy.

Experts suggest you concentrate
on these factors when shopping for
your home: orientation and siting;
insulation levels; windows and
doors; caulking and weatherstrip-
‘ping; and heating and cooling
equipment.

* Orientation and Siting: A
home’s position on the lot is im-
portant in energy use. In northern
climates, for example, the fewer
windows facing north, the better,
and south-facing windows are a
reali benefit.

The opposite is true in southern,
or warm, climates. Any shielding
from prevailing winds — by hills,
other buildings or trees — can also
substantially reduce the home’s
energy use.

® Attic and Wall Insulation: In-
sulation is a primary contributor to
a home’s energy efficiency. Find
out what kind of insulation, and
how much, was installed in the at-
tic, basement and side walls.

Ask if insulation was installed
around band joists, the area in the
basement where the foundation
ends and the ground-level floor
begins. Also check to see that the
craw! spaces and floors over
unheated areas have been insulated
properly.

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Designers of ‘silk’ plants & accessories

® Windows and Doors: Storm
windows and doors create a dead
air space that serves as insulation.
Double-glazed windows offer ef-
fective protection.

An easy way to check the
number of glazings on a window is
to hold a lit match or cigarette
lighter near the window; a
double-glazed window will show
the flame reflected twice.

® Caulking and Weatherstrip-
Ping: Check to see that all possible
air infiltration areas, such as win-
dows, doors and electrical outlets,
have been caulked and sealed pro-
perly.

¢ Heating and Cooling Equip-
ment: Be sure the heating and
cooling system is efficient. In the
last few years, high-efficiency fur-
naces and heat pumps have
become available, and manufac-
turers are required to provide in-
formation on a heating and cool-
ing system’s efficiency.

In addition, most new homes
today move conditioned ai from
the furnace, heat pump or central
air conditioner through ductwork.

To be sure that the conditioned
air is being delivered to the room
and not lost along the way, check
to see if the ductwork is insulated.

Sheet metal ducts can be wrap-
ped with special blanket insulation,
or the ducts themselves may be
made of insulated glass fiber duct-
board.

Mortgage lenders recognize the
cost savings an_ energy-efficient
home can provide. Some even of-
fer lower debt-to-income ratios for
new homes that can be
documented as energy-efficient.
These adjusted ratios allow buyers
to qualify to buy a more expensive
home.

985-9859

Mon.-Sat. 9-5:30
Sun, 12-5

The premise for this preferential
loan treatment is the assumption
that buyers of energy-efficient
homes have a greater amount of
disposable income available for
Mortgage payments because of
lower monthly operating costs.

FIRST AID TIP

FRACTURES
© Steady and support the injury. Co
not move the victim © Dress wounds
and contro! bleeding © If he must be
moved, secure the limb with ban-
dages over padded splints © Check
for signs of a pulse beyond the frac-
ture or joint injury. NO PULSE! get
medial aid quickly ¢ Hold neck and
back injuries steady and call for help
*® Reassure and keep warm to pre-
vent shock.

All upholstered fabrics have been
pre-Scotchguarded.

Monday to Saturday
9 a.m. to5 p.m.
Sunday |2 Noon to 5 p.m.

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LAST TWO WEEKS

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4240 Manor Street, Burnaby, B.C.
(1/2 block west of Villa Sheraton Hotel) 435-5566