12- PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, October 24, 1995 "Scugog"s Community Newspaper of Choice" / AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM Consumers Gas It's time to prepare your heating system for cold weather. For better heating economy and efficiency follow this easy step by step checklist. blockage until you have the chimney contractor's" report. Heating System Check-up 1] On warm air systems, clean furnace filters or replace disposable filters before the winter. A dirty filter can reduce air flow and cause your system to work harder than it has to. | [2] Keep your electric motor and fan bearings (and/or pump) lubricated for greater efficiency. (Two drops' of oil in the well each year should do it.) 'Note: Some new motors do not need lubricating. & If you have a hot water heating system, ; Yo) ensure that it is filled to the proper level by HEE N : bleeding air from each radiator. : \ If you observe these basics you will soon find that using gas can be even more If you see a white chalky staining on exterior brickwork, stone or mortar, but the cleanout pit is clear and there are no obstructions in the chimney or signs of deterioration on the chimney's exterior, ask a chimney repair company" for an inspection. In the meantime, you may operate your heating system safely. "Consult your Yellow Pages for Chimney Builders and Repairers. Some conservation tips economical heating system. ah Make sure you have well fitting doors and windows. A good fit keeps cold air out and warm.air in. Proper weatherstripping and caulking also helps. economical. @ . Chimney Check-up @ Rugs, furniture, drapes, etc. should not be allowed to obstruct warm air outlets and cold air returns. & Proper attic insulation means lower fuel costs. oO Dampers in open fireplaces should be closed when the fireplace is not in use. | 6 Hot water radiators will not heat effectively if air not a brick or stone chimney)? is in them. All air should be bled off. If you answer "Yes" to either of these questions, you probably need not worry 6 Make sure your humidifier is working correctly. Proper humidification can contribute to heating economy and your comfort level. Drop by our office and ask for our folders: "What every householder should know about carbon monoxide" and "Your home needs fresh air". It's difficult to know when you have a chimney problem. First, answer the following questions: (1 Does your chimney have a metal chimney liner? a Is your heating system connected to a metal venting system (that is, about your chimney being able to adequately vent your furnace. Any brick or stone chimney should receive periodic inspection from a chimney expert." However, here are three simple checks you can make yourself: a Check the cleanout pit at the bottom of your chimney: Should you find any debris, remove it. If it contains bits of mortar, brick or stone, erosion could be taking place. (2) Use a mirror to look up your chimney, through your cleanout aaa BG ee J ki Nie Jl bil Les o Oy Energy Saver Kit "QZ Installing an Energy Saver water efficiency kit in your home * can save you water and energy. If you do not already have one, a low flow showerhead could save you up to $4 a month, depending on your usage, by helping you to use and heat less water. For only $13.50 (includes postage, handling and taxes) you'll receive one adjustable spray door, during daylight hours. You should have an unobstructed view to the outside. There should be no visual evidence of crumbling mortar, brick or stone. Your chimney may be "offset", which will not allow you a visual inspection with a mirror. In such cases, we suggest an inspection by a chimney 'expert." © Check outside chimney brickwork. You should not see a white Offer Expires December 31, 1995 chalky substance on the bricks, stone or mortar. I showerhead. one kitchen-tap aerator and one bathroom-tap aerator. | | If ou ha bl m I To order your kit. fill out the coupon and mail it to: Consumers Gas, Energy Saver, N | \ ve d pro e I PO Box 734, Station 'A; Scarborough, Ont. M1K 5C4. The cost will be charged to i | . es ui your Consumers Gas account. Please allow 4-6 weeks delivery. Please note: this (1 ] If there is any chimney blockage above the vent connection, turn : : ; i offer is available to Consumers Gas customers only. | } off your heating system (and your gas water heater) immediately. Call | a chimney repair company" for an inspection. | NAME _ | 3 (2) If there is more than an inch of broken mortar, brick or stone in the I ADDRES i cleanout pit and you cannot see daylight using a mirror, follow the | . , . i my OSTAI CODE instructions in step 1. If there is no blockage, call a chimney repair company I - ) for an inspection. You may operate the furnace and water heater until the CONSUMERS GAS ACCOUNT NUMBER ie _ . chimney is inspected, but you should check the chimney periodically for | = Consumers Gas | tai BB ll aaa Ne KY £9 % «