Two random off-topic questions

[LightPhoenix]

I have two questions that I'm looking for help/advice on. Nothing serious, just not sure about some stuff and need some knowledge from the hive.

My first question is about Massachusets. Does anyone know the requirements to be a medical lab technician there. I know in New York you have to have an MLT degree (which I don't, but I'm grandfathered in) and in California it's even more strict. Baring that, what are the major hospitals in the Boston area? I can always contact the labs themselves and find out.

My second question is about insulation. My apartment leaks heat like it's a million degrees below zero out there... and in Syracuse, that's often the case in the winter. This results in rediculously high heating bills in the winter. I have a few ideas as to how to lower them, but I was wondering if anyone here had some general suggestions, besides simply turning the heat down. As anyone who has lived through an upstate NY winter will tell you, that's generally not an option, especially given how easily my apartment loses heat.

 

[Hijinks]

I have a few ideas as to how to lower them, but I was wondering if anyone here had some general suggestions, besides simply turning the heat down.

You can buy some plastic sheeting to put over your windows, then use a blow dryer to shrink them tight to the window frame. Keeps cold air out and hot air in. I put them on my windows last winter, although the crappy paint my landlords put on the window frames meant the tape wouldn't stick very well. It did help, though.

 

[WayneLigon]

Ask your apartment manager what modifications you're allowed to make.

Look into weather stripping for the doors and windows. Those are prime points for losing heat or letting in drafts. Older places often need the stripping removed and replaced. Make sure it forms a good seal. Check your door; if you can see light through the seams, you need better stripping.

Do you have hardwood floors? If so, look at some carpeting or carpets.

Ask the apartment place when the last time was they replaced the insulation. Squirrles and birds might have carried away all the blown insulation for nesting material

Open drapes in daylight to trap sun's heat. Heavy drapes closed after the sun goes down acts as more insulation.

Get double-pane windows. If you don't have them now.

Check the caulking around your doors and windows. If it's cracked or missing, recaulk.

If you have a working real fireplace, make sure the damper is closed when not in use and make sure it fits tightly.

I'm told using a humidifier will keep you from feeling cooler.

Check your local power company website; they might well have more tips for preventing heat loss.

 

[megamania]

WayneLigon hit on most everything I can think of. I live in Vermont have similiar issues.

Also add styoform wraps on pipes, adjust thermostat according to when you are within the home.

Then Wayne hit most everything else I had thought of.