Many parts of the country have experienced exceptionally cold weather during recent winters. Increasing demand may cause some fuel prices to rise in the coming months, so it is important for homeowners to find ways to reduce home heating costs:
- Furnace ducts often leak one-quarter to nearly half of the heated air they carry. People can cut heating expenses by sealing these ducts. On the other hand, duct cleaning is only beneficial if the ductwork is visibly dirty.
- Homeowners reduce costs by servicing their heating equipment at appropriate intervals. It makes sense to do this once every 12 months. However, systems with ducts have filters that should be replaced repeatedly during cold weather.
- Many people set their thermostats to much warmer temperatures than necessary. If you currently set it higher, try turning it down to 68 degrees in the day and 60F at night. This saves fuel and reduces maintenance costs as well.
- Attic floors should be sealed and adequately insulated to prevent heat loss. The minimum recommended thickness for cellulose is eight inches. Homeowners need 11 or more inches of rock wool or fiberglass insulation to maximize efficiency.
- It may be wise to install a new heating system that operates more efficiently or uses a less expensive fuel. Natural gas currently costs the least while electricity is usually the most costly energy source. Unfortunately, it is hard to predict future prices.
- Everyone should check for drafts in their homes, especially around window frames. They are easier to find during cool, windy weather. Spray foam or caulk may be used to seal them and stop cold air from entering the room.
- Electric space heaters can affordably provide supplemental heat in bathrooms for short periods of time. However, it is safest to choose a model with a GFCI plug. The entire unit should be designed to withstand exposure to the extra moisture produced by showers.
Basically, people can reduce home heating costs by eliminating various leaks, using efficient equipment and avoiding excessively high temperature settings. Please follow us to read more about the best techniques for HVAC maintenance and energy conservation.
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