Winter Tune Up

[Chewy]

Greetings, fellow givers of thanks.

Gathering a list of things I can do around my 1951 house to save some nat gas this winter. Had a few questions on varying items.

-Tried draining my water heater over the weekend and got only about a cup of sediment. Since it's a 1991 model, and I strongly doubt it's EVER been drained (I know it hasn't in the past 4 years at least), I'm sure there's alot more buildup than that. Any tricks to getting a significantly larger amount of sediment out short of buying a new heater?

-Any specific DIY cleaning/tune-ups I can do to our furnace? It's a split system.

-Regarding crawlspace insulation. First, what's the recommended overlap when installing the plastic sheeting over the ground? I've heard anywhere from 6" to 2', then tape it. Does it matter? Secondly, the big box stores around here only carry the 3/4" thick (R4) foam insulation. Where could I look for the 1-1/2"?

Thanks for all the help!

[Mr T]

Greetings, fellow givers of thanks.

Gathering a list of things I can do around my 1951 house to save some nat gas this winter. Had a few questions on varying items.

-Tried draining my water heater over the weekend and got only about a cup of sediment. Since it's a 1991 model, and I strongly doubt it's EVER been drained (I know it hasn't in the past 4 years at least), I'm sure there's alot more buildup than that. Any tricks to getting a significantly larger amount of sediment out short of buying a new heater?
You cant get out what you dont put in! Are you SURE you have more sediment in there? If you have city water, they may have a nice conditioning/filtration system. As long as you are not interfering with the elements/burner you are ok. If you have city water, call them and ask for information on the hardness/water quality and if they treat their water. THe town where my parents live is in the process of installing a system like this. They say water softeners wont be needed.

-Any specific DIY cleaning/tune-ups I can do to our furnace? It's a split system.Check your manual, it will tell you all the service it needs. Usually just oiling blowers if needed, checking filters, checking the air inlet and exhaust for nests and stuff, and checking the flame if its gas. If you change your filters regularly you should be set.

-Regarding crawlspace insulation. First, what's the recommended overlap when installing the plastic sheeting over the ground? I've heard anywhere from 6" to 2', then tape it. Does it matter? Secondly, the big box stores around here only carry the 3/4" thick (R4) foam insulation. Where could I look for the 1-1/2"?
If you will be down there alot crawlign over the platic, i'd overlap more then 2' so you dont pull it apart when you move around on it. Check your local supply yard (got any Carter Lumbers in your area??) Box stores sell only what moves. Dedicated supply yard/houses sell what you need (or will gladly get it for you).