|
----- Original Message -----
From: steven meldahl
Sent: Thursday, December 05, 2002 7:16 PM
Subject: heat bills Channel 4 just did a short story about the record
requests people have made for fuel assistance for their gas bills. I do
agree that this program is needed for those that truly need the
help.
Back when I did home inspections and Mineapolis
Truth in Housing Inspections, I was appalled by the number of homeowners and
more so tenants that had their heat set at anywhere from 75 to 80
degrees. If it got too hot, they just opened their windows a little
bit. There is absolutely no reason for this. It is a total waste of a
finite resource - natural gas.
Honeywell makes a standard looking T31 thermostat
that internally only goes to 72 degrees. I installed these years ago in
all of my buildings. The savings have been
tremendous. Every now and then I would get a call from a
tenant. "I have my thermostat turned up to 80 degrees and its only 72
degrees in here!" I would go ahead and explain the savings for them in
dollars and also explain that you must keep all of your storm windows
closed to avoid drafts etc.
I really think that local ordinances should
mandate this or state law should mandate this. In other words, except for
special need situations, no thermostats shoud be allowed to go above 72
degrees. Believe me, this would save taxpayers alot of money and help
ensure more of a finite resource for future generations. By the way, I
have never had my thermostat above 68 degrees, even when my kids were
crawling.
Steve Meldahl
Jordan (work)
|
