"?I never, ever thought I?d live to be 90,? or ?It?s a terrible thing to get this old,? he says apologetically as I help him move about the house. But over the last year he?s become a valued part of our home, helping when he can and bringing a warm, vibrant personality into the house."

"What has been difficult, however, is our heating bill. Due to slow blood circulation, my grandfather gets cold easily, and to maintain his comfort and health we?ve had to keep the heat cranked up. Last winter, as energy costs soared nation wide, my family?s PG&E bill was $800 for the month of February alone, more than double the usual cost."

"According to the California Energy Commission, about 30 percent of residential energy costs come from heating and cooling a home. Energy efficiency takes on an added importance when families must provide for the special needs of loved ones while minimizing the cost."

" This winter, my family is equipped with new energy saving tips to help us keep the heat up and costs down:"

"1. Set the thermostat as low as comfortably possible. The less difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall heating bill will be. Small energy efficient space heaters can increase the heat more cheaply than heating the entire house."

" 2. Reduce hot water use by installing low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators. A new, water efficient showerhead can reduce your water consumption by one-third to one-half. A top-quality showerhead costs between $10 and $20 and will quickly pay for itself in energy saved. Spending 10 minutes or less in the shower can reduce your hot water usage by up to thirty three percent."

"3. Seal your home?s ?envelope? (walls, floor, ceiling and roof) and save up to 10% on your annual energy bill. Test for drafts by holding a long, lit match next to windows, doors, electrical boxes, plumbing fixtures, electrical outlets, ceiling fixtures, attic hatches and other locations where there?s a possible air path to the outside. If the smoke stream travels horizontally, you?ve located an air leak that may need caulking, sealing or weather stripping."

" 4. Clean furnace filters monthly. Dirty filters restrict airflow and increase energy use. Keep the furnace clean, lubricated and properly adjusted to save up to 5% of heating costs."

"5. Close drapes, blinds and shades to help retain heat at night. Open the drapes during the day and take advantage of sunlight. Up to 16 percent of your heat
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