New County Publication Helps Residents Cut Heating Costs; County Also Offers Advice on Monitoring Carbon Monoxide

Header--Montgomery County, Maryland. Press Releases

eb:heating.pr 01-27

Contact: Esther Bowring, 240-777-6530
Ann Elsen, 240-777-7770 (Energy Costs)
Mary Richmond, 240-777-7770 (Carbon Monoxide)

For Immediate Release: January 19, 2001

New County Publication Helps Residents
Cut Heating Costs;
County Also Offers Advice on Monitoring Carbon Monoxide

To help combat rising natural gas costs this winter, the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection has just released a new publication called "Winter Heating Tips" to help residents cut their home heating costs.

The brochure offers homeowners the easiest and least expensive tips for reining in energy costs.

Helpful hints include sealing gaps around doors, windows, and foundations to prevent drafty, cold air leaks; keeping the house at a temperature that feels comfortable with a sweater on; setting thermostats to lower temperatures at night; adding humidity to the air because humid air feels warmer than dry air; using window shades and drapes to let the sun in during the day and conserve heat at night; closing off vents to rooms that are infrequently used and shutting the door; keeping furnace air filters, registers and radiators clean; insulating hot water heaters; and using low flow showerheads, fixing leaky faucets, and washing laundry in warm or cold rather than hot water.

"Winter Heating Tips" is available on the County's website by going to www.askDEP.com and clicking on "Watch Out for High Natural Gas Prices." Or, call 240-777-7770 to request a copy.

The County also has information available about detecting and preventing carbon monoxide poisoning. Access the County's website at www.askDEP.com and then click on "Carbon Monoxide Warning". Residents can call 240-777-7770 to request a brochure entitled 'Carbon Monoxide -- What You Should Know,' which is also available at County libraries and Regional Services Centers. Or, ask for the carbon monoxide information kit that contains detailed information about carbon monoxide poison prevention and carbon monoxide detectors. DEP has copies available of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Consumer Product Safety Commission's publication called "The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality."

Additional assistance is available by calling Washington Gas at 703-750-1000. Carbon monoxide detector information is available from Underwriters Laboratories on their website at http://www.ul.com/consumers/monoxide.htm.

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