Energy Saving Tips to Reduce your Heating Costs
Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Fri, Nov 13, 2009
Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
Who doesn’t want to be environmentally friendly? We want to save energy, but the reality is we can’t afford to chuck a water heater that’s still working or replace a furnace with a few good years left in it for a super-efficient Energy Star appliance. The recession took a toll on everyone forcing most of us to take a piecemeal approach to energy conservation. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to make your home more energy efficient without breaking the bank.
Use these tips to start saving on your energy bill today:
- Replace furnace filters once a month. Vacuum cobwebs and dust from access panels regularly. Have your furnace inspected by an experienced heating/cooling professional at the start of each heating season to ensure it is running effectively and safely. Air conditioners should be inspected by an A/C pro in late spring before use.
- Insulate your hot water heater. You can buy an insulating jacket at most home improvement stores to keep heat from escaping. Or make your own by wrapping fiberglass-batt wall insulation (paper vapor barrier to outside) around the sides and top of your water heater. Cover with construction foil to block heat loss. Slide tubular foam insulation over the pipes at tank top.
- Install a programmable thermostat to regulate your home’s temperature on a pre-set schedule. By setting the thermostat to keep your home cooler when you’re at work and while you sleep, you can cut energy use by 15%. For every degree you lower your thermostat during heating season, you decrease energy use by 3%.
- Disconnect appliances and electronics when not in use. Typically, 75% of the energy used to power home electronics is consumed while appliances are off.
- Caulk and weather strip windows, doors, electrical sockets and cable outlets.
- Close the fireplace damper when not in use.
What are you doing to make your home more energy efficient?
Reduce your heating costs without an expensive new furnace!