Space heating accounts for more than 40 percent of annual energy use in a typical home, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. By taking action before and during the heating season, you can reduce your heating costs and make your home more comfortable during those cold winter months. Get your home ready for winter ◾Have a qualified technician inspect and clean your heating system before the start of cold weather to ensure your system is running efficiently. ◾Inspect the ductwork in exposed areas such as the basement or attic, and repair any leaks or disconnections. ◾Caulk and weatherstrip doors and windows to prevent heat loss. ◾Make sure your home is insulated to levels recommended for your climate zone. ◾Seal gaps and air leaks in your chimney, plumbing access and other often-overlooked areas of the home. For more information, seeHidden Sources of Home Heat Loss. ◾If your heating system is more than 15 years old, consider replacing it with a newer, more efficient unit. If you install a new system, make sure it is ENERGY STAR qualified. ENERGY STAR, which is a joint program of the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency, tests and certifies products for energy efficient performance. Saving energy during the heating season ◾Change the air filter on your furnace once per month during the heating season. A dirty filter restricts air flow and causes the system to run less efficiently. ◾Save energy by setting your thermostat at the lowest comfortable temperature. Optimize savings by lowering your thermostat setting when you are sleeping or away from home. Afraid you might forget? A programmable thermostat can make the adjustments for you. ◾Reverse the airflow direction of ceiling fans, forcing warm air to bounce off the ceiling down into the living space where you need it. ◾Open window treatments on south- and east-facing walls during the day to let in warming sunshine. At night, close them to keep cold air out and maintain the heat inside your home.
Posted on: Thu, 24 Oct 2013 15:28:27 +0000
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