Slash Your Heating Bills!
Making these easy, inexpensive changes will save you big bucks this winter.
December 2005/January 2006
By Paul Scheckel
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Making these easy, inexpensive changes will save you big bucks this winter.
COSMO & ACTION/GETTY IMAGES
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This winter, many people are facing much higher heating bills. The costs of fuel oil and electricity are rising, and natural gas prices are up to 50 percent higher than last year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
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As fuel prices rise, it’s tempting to look for the single solution that will shave off a large part of your heating bill, but there are numerous ways to improve the energy efficiency of your home. Many of these are simple, inexpensive steps that can reduce your energy use and bring you immediate savings. You also should keep in mind home improvements that will lead to long-term savings, including purchasing more efficient windows, additional insulation or an energy-efficient heating system. When you’re building a home, remodeling or buying a new heating system, choosing the most energy-efficient options can bring you significant savings over time.
Over the past 12 years, I’ve had the enjoyable job of performing energy audits in thousands of homes, both new and old. What I like to tell people is that energy efficiency shouldn’t be a hardship - in fact, it can be very rewarding. Not only is increasing the energy efficiency of your home a step toward a sustainable use of fuel and less pollution, it also offers you greater security and independence, lower energy bills and can make your home a more comfortable place to live.
Adjust the Thermostat
The most obvious way to reduce your fuel use is to turn down the thermostat. Think of it as a valve between your fuel supplier and your wallet. For every degree you turn it down, you will use up to 3 percent less heating energy. A 10-degree setback overnight or while you’re at work will cut your heating bill by up to 10 percent.
When you use a programmable thermostat, you save energy without even thinking about it - simply adjust the settings to turn the temperature down automatically while you’re away from home. Keep in mind that it doesn’t take long to heat your home to a comfortable level - only about 15 minutes. Never adjust the thermostat above the desired temperature; doing so will not heat your home any faster.
Some heating systems allow you to provide temperature control to different heat “zones” in the house. If you are installing a new heating system, make sure you have enough zone control to keep seldom-used areas of the house at cooler temperatures (see "Types of Heating Systems," below).
Repair Drafty Windows
Older windows are often big energy wasters. When you’re ready to invest in new windows, many energy-efficient options are available (see High-performance Windows and Install Your own Windows). But before you buy, you should know there are several inexpensive repairs that can improve the performance of your current windows.
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