Simple Suggestions For Saving Heat And Lowering Energy Costs

As energy costs rise, and awareness of environmental impact increases, it makes sense to find ways for saving heat and reducing energy costs. There are many options available and all can be combined to fit any budget.

Saving Heat by insulating yourself

Make sure your home is properly insulated is the best method for saving heat. Inadequate insulation, especially in the attic is the greatest contributor to heat loss. Contact a roofing and insulation company for an inspection to determine if you have the correct amount of insulation for your area. At the same time, have the insulation on the exterior walls checked also.

Install energy efficient windows. Older windows lose heat at a faster rate than the newer, better-designed products. In addition to changing the windows, the frames will be resealed, increasing the windows efficiency.

Use the power of the sun

Consider installing solar energy panels on the roof to supplement the normal heating source. With the development of single-panel systems, this is becoming an increasingly more effective method to generate both heat and electricity. And with incentives and rebates, costs are reduced even more.

Adjust the thermostat

Be sure the thermostat is located in an area that does not see much temperature fluctuation as temperature variations near the thermostat affect the entire house. If it is near the front door, every time someone enters or leaves, cold air comes into the home and is detected by the thermostat. Placing it in a central location, away from drafts, does wonders for saving heat.

Install programmable thermostats that can be set to lower the heat at times when it does not need to be as high, such as at night or when no one is home. For every two degrees the thermostat is lowered, heating bills are reduced by approximately four percent.

Reduce the temperature on the water heater from 110 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Most water heaters come pre-set at 140 degrees, but most households usually do not need water at a temperature greater than 120 degrees. The U.S. Department of Energy says that each ten degree drop in water temperature will save about three to five percent in energy costs. Better yet, consider changing to a tankless water heating system and reduce your energy bills even more.

Changes that do not cost a penny

Do not heat unused rooms. Draw the curtains, turn out the lights, and shut the door. Providing just enough heat to unused rooms to prevent water pipes from freezing during cold weather saves energy as well as making heat distribution more effective.

For saving heat in living areas, try changing ceiling fans to their winter setting. Because heat rises, changing a ceiling fan to spin clockwise reverses the circulation pattern by drawing colder air upward and sending warmer air down along the walls. Be sure to set the fan's speed to low to prevent it from creating a draft.