Letters: Conservation's a good alternative
3. Install insulating pipe sleeves
Pre-split and pre-glued insulating pipe sleeves can be installed easily on just about any exposed hot- or cold-water line. They save energy on hot-water lines and cut down on pipe sweating for cold ones. A home without pipe insulation is like wearing shoes with no socks.
(IStock Photo) Credit: IStock
While I sympathize with the writer of "Winter hits hard for fixed incomes" [Letters, Nov. 25], and others in a similar situation, higher energy prices are a fact of life, and we are going to have to adapt to this.
The good news is there is a lot of room for improvement. Replacing older oil- and gas-fired heating and hot water systems with high-efficiency units can yield a 30 percent savings or more, reducing our dependence on foreign oil. Air sealing and insulation are another area where vast savings can be realized. An energy audit can pinpoint the areas of loss, and these can be addressed.
There are government programs that provide assistance with energy audits, as well as rebates and financial help to implement these conservation measures.
While cheap energy was nice, it couldn't last forever. Now is the time to update housing stock built with little to no regard to fuel efficiency and reduce our energy consumption.
Robert O'Brien, Mount Sinai
Everyone thought I was crazy when I purchased my all-electric home 25 years ago. I found ways to save over the years, including purchasing two Amish fireplaces. By doing so, I have cut anywhere from $75 to $100 a month off my bills.
Charlie Schwarz, Holtsville
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