November 30, 2004

Purdue expert offers cool tips on keeping warm

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – As the weather outside turns frightful, the cost of staying warm can be made a bit more delightful, says a Purdue University expert.

"Nationally, about 44 percent of the energy used in homes goes toward heating and cooling, and water heaters can account for as much as 15 percent," says N. Athula Kulatunga, an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering technology in Purdue's College of Technology. "Common sense can go a long way toward reducing energy bills, and there are a lot simple things homeowners can do to heat their houses more efficiently."

Kulatunga, who also is a certified energy manager, offers several tips to make homes more energy efficient:

• Install a thermostat designed for energy conservation. For about $30, you can purchase a unit that will automatically reduce the heat while you are at work or sleeping. This can reduce heating costs by up to 30 percent.

• An insulator blanket for a water heater only costs about $15 and can greatly reduce the effect cold air has on a heater located in a cool basement or garage. Insulation around exposed pipes leading to the heater also will conserve heat.

• Inspect your home for leaks that will let in cold air. Particularly feel for cold air coming in around doors, windows and electrical sockets, and seal off leaks or cracks.

• Insulation on every portion of the ceiling and every outer wall should be insulated to an R-value of 20, a measurement of insulation's effectiveness. In most homes that means the equivalent of about six inches of insulation to maximize protection.

Kulatunga also says people can make more severe cuts to their heating and energy bills by employing alternative energy sources. For those willing to adjust their lifestyles, there are even more options.

"The technology exists for homes to incorporate alternative energy and make it cost-effective," he says. "Solar electric panels, solar heated water heaters, geothermal heat and fuel cells are all viable options for people who are willing to adjust their energy consumption practices."

More energy saving techniques are available online at the U.S. Department of Energy Web site at http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumerinfo/energy_savers.

CONTACT: Kulatunga, (765) 494-2367, nkulatun@purdue.edu

Writer: Matt Holsapple, (765) 494-2073, mholsapple@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

Related Web site:
Purdue Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology

To the News Service home page