Easy Tips on How to Slash Your Heating Bills at Home
Even though the price of fuel has gone down
somewhat, don't expect your heating bills to necessarily do the
same! You may try to think of a big way to save on your bills but
you should really concentrate on maximizing the energy efficiency of
your home. This is the best way to realize overall savings, not only
on your heating bill but your entire electric bill once summer hits
and the air conditioner comes on.
Whether you are building a new home, remodeling an old one or just
want to make do with what you have, there are a number of easy ways
to increase energy efficiency. Some of the options include major
home improvement projects, and while you may be out of cash upfront,
you will realize great savings for years to come. Consider boosting
your energy efficiency as a way of helping the environment. If you
can slash your heating bills, you are reducing your reliance on
fossil fuels for energy. Here are a few ways to save:
1. Adjusting your thermostat is the first line of defense. When you
are not at home, lower your thermostat a few degrees and then bump
it back up when you are home. Invest in a programmable thermostat so
you can program your temperature settings and not have to worry
about constant adjustments.
2. Replace Older Heating Systems. Most heating systems are
guaranteed to work for about 15 to 20 years although some are quite
older. Of course, the older a heating system is, the less efficient
it will be. If you can afford it, replace your old heating unit with
some more efficient that carries an Energy Star rating label which
signifies over 90% efficiency. When you cannot afford a new unit,
conduct some preventative maintenance on your old one to prolong its
usefulness and increase efficiency. Check the air filters; bleed
trapped air from the lines; check for soot and dust build-up and
clean when necessary … anything you can do to prevent a breakdown
will help with efficiency. Be sure to check the air ducts for any
holes and repair them.
3. Repair or replace windows. Many windows in older homes may
produce a draft around the window frame or sash. Replace old
caulking and weather stripping around the frames. If you can afford
it, replace the old windows with new energy-efficient windows that
have a low U-value and a high R-value. Basically, this means the
windows serve to insulate the home keeping the home temperatures in
– not letting heat or cold air escape – as well as not allowing the
outside temperatures to intrude inside the home.
4. Check your doors. Many doors allow heat to escape and cold
temperatures to seep in. You might have to replace weather stripping
and do some caulking around the door frames, much like you would do
with the windows.
There are a number of ways to improve the energy efficiency in your
home so you can slash your heating bills in the winter. The basics
of checking windows, doors, heating systems and your thermostat are
just the first few lines of defense. Consider asking your electric
or gas company (whichever provides the heat in your home) to inspect
your home inside and out to bring to your attention the different
areas that could use some repair in the energy efficiency
department.
About the Author: D. Benjamin is the owner of
iapsales.com LLC - a family business specializing in HVAC products. We
are distributors of
Qmark Heaters,
electric tankless water heaters,
bathroom heaters,
patio heaters, electric heaters,
portable air
conditioners & electric towel warmers. Shop on line at
www.heateroutlet.com for these great home improvement products.
Iapsales.com LLC was established in 2003 and is the sister company to
Innovative Air Products located in historical Exeter, NH. We are a 2nd
generation manufacturers’ rep firm dedicated to providing residential &
commercial heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment. We offer
a great selection online at the lowest prices anywhere. We can also be
found on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube