By JACOB GLASSNER, Staff Writer Voice-Tribune
Cold weather is coming to Louisville, and due to rising natural gas prices, many homeowners will feel the sting of high heating bills this winter.
LG&E has raised natural gas rates by 64 percent, meaning that an average residential customer who paid $87.85 a month last year will pay $143.96 this year.
In view of this, many homeowners are expected to turn to alternate means to heat their homes - namely space heaters and fireplaces.
And while those means are acceptable ways to heat homes, the fire department is urging people to use them safely to avoid fires, said Louisville Fire & Rescue spokesperson Capt. Ronel Brown.
"Space heaters are the No. 1 concern," said Brown. But "there's nothing wrong with them if you use them properly."
Space heater safety
The key to safe use of space heaters is simply to give them space, said Brown.
Heaters should be kept at least three feet away from anything combustible, such as drapes, curtains and bedspreads. Never use a heater to dry clothes or shoes.
Brown added that you should never leave a heater unattended while it's running or let small children near it.
The fire department responded to a fire on Sept. 30 at Sixth and Kentucky streets that was caused by an electric heater cord.
When using an electric heater, you should check the cord for fraying and never place the cord under a rug or a carpet, which can cause it to overheat, said Brown. Also make sure to use a heavy-gauge extension cord and to place the heater on a level surface, not on furniture.
A recent house fire in St. Matthews was caused by a space heater that overloaded the house's old wiring, said St. Matthews Fire Department Chief Bill Seng.
In 2002, U.S. fire departments reported 45,500 home heating fires, which resulted in 220 deaths, 990 injuries and $449 million in property damage, according to the National Fire Protection Association. About 68 percent of those fires were caused by fireplaces and chimneys, space heaters and wood stoves.
Many of today's heaters have safety features such as automatic shutoffs if they tip over and lights that indicate when they are hot. The fire department is most concerned about older models that don't have safety features, said Brown.
If you buy a new heater, read the directions before using it, he said.
For heaters that use liquid fuel, make sure to use the proper fuel and never refuel inside your house or while the heater is hot, said Brown.
Liquid fuel heaters emit carbon dioxide, and you should have a fresh air source when using them.
Fireplace safety
There's nothing like the warm feeling of a fire roaring in a fireplace, but there are some tips to keep in mind.
"Fireplaces need to be checked out once a year by a professional," said Seng.
Cracks in the flue, liner, mortar or bricks can lead to a house fire; keeping a chimney clean is most important.
Most fireplace and chimney fires are caused by creosote build up, according to the NFPA. Creosote is the black, flaky substance that forms in chimneys when burning wood.
David Lindberg, owner of Chimney Chaps, a local chimney cleaning business, said that cracks in bricks and mortar often are caused by water, which seeps in, freezes and expands in cold temperatures.
In the last two years, he has seen a "decidedly large increase" in the number of people calling to have chimneys cleaned, which he attributes to rising gas prices.
Brian Grech, owner of Grech Brothers, another local chimney business, said that if you use your fireplace only five or six times a year, having it cleaned annually isn't really necessary.
A typical inspection and cleaning can range from $90 to $175.
Never burn green or unseasoned wood or paper in the fireplace, said Brown. Burning green wood causes creosote build up.
Flammable items such as Christmas stockings should be kept away from fires, said Brown.
Keep a metal screen in front of a fireplace and a non-combustible rug on the floor in front of it to catch any embers that may pop out, Seng added.
When using gas logs or starter logs, follow manufacturers' directions and don't use too many, said Seng.
Outdoors, any tree branches hanging near chimneys, flues or vents should be removed.
And it may sound like common sense, but Seng said to remember to open the damper before starting a fire. His department has responded to calls from people who thought their home was on fire after it filled with smoke, only to find that it was caused by a closed damper.
For all homeowners
All homeowners should make sure that their house has a working smoke detector and a fire extinguisher, and families should practice an escape plan in case of a fire, said Brown.
With the recent time change, it's also that time of year to change the batteries in your smoke detector.
Money-saving tips
Using alternate heating methods isn't the only way to save on your gas bill. LG&E offers $15 energy audits to help determine how to save on your heating bill. Appointments may be scheduled by calling 251-7808.
For every degree you turn your thermostat down, you can save 3 to 5 percent on your heating bill, according to LG&E. The company recommends turning your thermostat down to 65 at night, wearing warm clothing in your home and adding extra blankets to your bed to stay warm.
Other tips from LG&E include checking the amount of insulation in your home and having your ductwork inspected and cleaned by a professional. Disposable furnace filters should be changed every 30 days.
Installing draft stoppers on doors and windows and closing fireplace dampers when not in use can cut costs, as can turning down your water heater to a low or medium setting.
Keeping blinds and drapes open on sunny days also can help warm a house.
For more information, visit lgeenergy.com.
