Energy Saving - Reducing your heating costs this winter
While heating costs can vary dramatically from region to region and even from house to house within the same area, homeowners are always looking for ways to reduce their monthly heating bills. The Department of Energy estimates the average American family's total energy bill to be around $1,300 a year, and whether this sounds like much more or much less than you are spending, we can show you ways to reduce your heating bills - whether you live in the coldest part of the country or in a milder climate.
The first step to saving on your heating bills is to determine where your home is losing heat, taking the steps suggested below, and you will realize savings almost immediately. Depending on your home's current energy efficiency (or inefficiency), you can save up to 50% on your annual heating costs by using a "whole-house" approach to energy efficiency and continually look for ways to save. (For the more ambitious, click here for the Department of Energy's guide to conducting a Home Energy Audit)
INSPECT YOUR INSULATION
The single MOST effective way to save on heating is to ensure you have adequate attic insulation. Since warm air rises, it goes without saying that if you don't have enough attic insulation your heating bills are quite literally going through the roof. The key signal to tell if you have enough attic insulation is the insulation covers the ceiling joists in the attic. Insulation is sold according to R-values, which simply translates into a number of inches. The higher the number of inches the better insulated your attic will be. Most homes in the U.S. should have between R22 and R49 (approximately 7-11 inches). Click here for the Department of Energy's recommended R Values for your Area. Insulation is easy to install but can be irritating to the skin. Make sure you wear gloves and a protective mask or consider using a new type of "encapsulated" insulation available at most home centers.
Click here for more information from the Department of Energy on Insulation and Weatherization
Click here for information on Miraflex Insulation
Cost of materials:
- Traditional insulation
- Miraflex Insulation - 50 cents (per square foot))
* Estimated Yearly Savings $150 - $200
PLUG UP THE GAPS OUTSIDE
The next step in keeping your house cozy is to keep the cold air out. To do this you must seal up all cracks on the exterior perimeter of the home. Areas around windows and outdoor faucets can let in a tremendous amount of cold air. You can use either caulk or expandable latex foam. If the temperature has already begun to drop in your area, consider using DAP's new Side Winder Caulk that is appropriate for use in temperatures below 40 degrees. Simply tour the exterior of the home and apply the caulk wherever you see any cracks, gaps or holes.
Click here for more information DAP's Side Winder Caulk
Click here for more information on DAP's DAPtex Latex Insulating Foam Sealant
Cost of materials: - Side Winder Caulk - Less than $5
- Latex Insulating Foam Sealant - Less than $5
* Estimated Yearly Savings: $80 - $100
STOP THE LEAKS INSIDE
Now it's time to seal up the inside of the home in order to keep the warm air in. Cracks around windows, on perimeter walls, and around electrical outlets located on exterior walls can let a tremendous amount of warm air leak out. Again, simply use a standard caulking gun to apply caulk to any areas where you can see a crack or gap or feel a draft. If you are not sure what kind of caulk to use click here for more information on various caulks.
Once you have sealed up the cracks, turn your attention to drafty, inefficient windows. If new windows are not in your budget this year a terrific interim solution is a window insulation kit like the one that is available from Duck Brand. Click here for more information on this Window Insulator Kit which is very easy to install and can completely insulate each window for about $3 a piece. When you have sealed up all cracks and insulated your windows you will have created an airtight envelope around your home.
Cost of Materials:
- Caulk - $5 - $10 per tube
- Window Insulation Kit - $15
* Estimated Yearly Savings: $60-80
MAXIMIZE YOUR HEATING SYSTEM
There are many ways you can maximize the efficiency of your current heating system. First of all, in addition to saving money, it is extremely important for safety reasons to have a professional inspect your heating system every year to ensure that it is operating properly. Having ducts cleaned and filters changed will immediately produce results in the amount of heat produced.
One of the biggest misconceptions about heating your home is that you save money by keeping your thermostat set at the same temperature all the time. The exact opposite is true. By turning down your thermostat when you are away from home you can realize a savings of 10-15% annually. One of the easiest ways to do this is by installing a setback thermostat. This device can be programmed to match your lifestyle by keeping the temperature up when you are home and down when you are out. Most units have a manual override that allows you to adjust the temperature when necessary without the need to reset the controls. Remember, it is much less expensive to heat the home back up than it is to keep it at the same temperature all day long. Click here for more information on Setback Thermostats.
Another trend in heating is what's known as "zone heating". By using devices that heat the area of the home where you spend the most time rather than heating the entire house, you can save additional dollars. A brand new invention that is highly effective in keeping specific rooms extremely cozy and is highly cost effective to operate is the Reiker Room Conditioner. This unit utilizes warm air that has traveled to the ceiling, redistributes it and continues to warm and circulate the air in the room.
Click here for more information on the Reiker Room Conditioner.
Cost of materials:
- Setback Thermostat - $80
- Reiker Room Conditioner - $499
* Estimated Yearly Savings $175 - $225
KEEP YOUR HOT WATER HOT
On an average it takes 14% of your overall utility bill to provide hot water. Savings can be realized by wrapping a water heater blanket around your water heater, insulating your water pipes, and considering the installation of a timer on all electric water heaters. Water heater blankets and hot water pipe insulation could not be easier to install and are extremely inexpensive. Both are available at most home centers and will keep your water warmer longer and available more quickly.
Electric water heater timers can be programmed to provide hot water during high-use periods or only when you need it. Click here for an example of an electric water heater timer that can save up to 33% on water heating costs.
Cost of materials: - Hot Water Heater Blanket - $15
- Hot Water Pipe Wraps - Average home $20
- Electric Water Heater Timer - $60
* Estimated Yearly Savings: $30-40
FOR MORE INFORMATION
If you would like more information on saving money heating your home, The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Clearinghouse (EREC), (part of the Department of Energy) distributes a very informative publication called "Energy Savers: Tips on Saving Energy and Money at Home". Click here to download or to obtain a copy call or write:
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Clearinghouse (EREC)
PO Box 3048
Merrifield, VA 22116
Phone: 1-800-363-3732
