We've rounded up some handy tips on how you can easily save
energy on heating, and lower your electricity and gas bills to boot. So
whether you're a renter or homeowner, check out our top 5 nifty and low cost
ideas that will get you saving real bucks over the winter season.
TIP 1: Upgrade or tune-up your heating system. The first
plan of action is to actually have a plan. 30% of an average home’s
energy cost is for heating and sometimes a lot more if you heat with
electricity, gas, or oil. A furnace or boiler tune-up is a good place to start.
Changing the air filter & diagnosing for problems that lead to
inefficiencies or even carbon-monoxide poisoning.
TIP 2: Get an energy audit. Don’t think that getting a new
heating plant will solve your comfort and efficiency problems. Heat
can escape a home in hundreds of different ways, so it’s worth investigating
how your home’s shell is performing, as well as the condition of your
ductwork. A BPI certified home energy audit (or assessment)
provides the critical information needed to get the biggest bang for your buck,
and usually finds important things you may never even have noticed. Contact
your utility company to see if they offer a discounted audit
and weatherization. After, follow up those recommendations with a quality,
professional energy retrofit.
TIP 3: Button up your windows. If you don’t have the money,
or are a renter, don’t despair. While new windows and
a furnace would be great, what you have now may need only just a
little help to save cash and improve comfort. Even new windows are often just
marginally more efficient than old ones (compared to your wall’s r-value for
instance), but a good set of insulating blinds can double or triple a
window’s efficiency.
Reflective bubble wrap foil also works well for a window
cover and dramatically reduces radiant energy losses that can make even a warm
room feel cold to bare skin. And don’t neglect caulking around the frame if you
feel a draft coming through. In a pinch plastic film will get you through the
season.
TIP 4: Get a programmable thermostat. A fifteen year
old 80% AFUE furnace is still reasonably efficient, but with a
programmable thermostat that furnace can run a whole lot more intelligently.
These thermostats are inexpensive but notoriously difficult to
operate. Luckily some have a nifty energy star
button that is a set-and-forget energy saver, and the new Nest
Thermostat can learn how you heat your house and automatically adjust
itself.
TIP 5: Close up air leaks. Air infiltration is a major
reason many rooms feel cold, but you can check for air leakage with a smoke
stick. A typical culprit is electrical boxes on the outside walls. Cheap plug
and light switch gaskets are easy to install, and all of that reduced air
infiltration can make a noticeable difference. Same goes for outside doors —
replace those worn gaskets and seal the attic hatch. (Adopted From
http://inhabitat.com)
