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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® 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.

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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.

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