Heating Costs

Fall has just begun and while it is still pretty hot outside in many places, colder weather is in the horizon. Many people turn to their central air systems to heat their homes. Being conscious of how your systems and devices are being utilized is an important step to keeping warm without using up extra energy  and wasting money this season.

ⁱLeaving your heater on low throughout the day to keep your home warm but not waste heat is not a great way to save money or energy. Even if your home is properly insulated, heat is still dissipating in an empty residence. If your thermostat has a timer, setting it to start heating before you get home is best. If not, turning on the unit when you get home is more cost and energy efficient.¹ If you do not have a programmable thermostat you can easily purchase and install one, learn how here .² There are also new products on the market all the time, such as the Nest,³ which allow you to do this from your computers or mobile devices when you are not at home, or even when you are at home!

Some articles argue the usefulness of heating all rooms equally, or if it is more efficient to heat the room you are occupying more. However, it depends on your current form of heat. If you have a “modern boiler” it makes more sense to heat your home instead of one room. However, if your central heating allows you to adjust temperatures in each room, it might be more cost effective to lower the heat in the rooms you are not occupying. It really depends on your current heating source.⁴ Consider other options such as wearing layers or thermal clothing to also help put less dependency on your heating units.

Speaking of heat and clothes, have you looked into getting a high efficiency washer? These machines are designed to save you money compared to older generations of washers. However, there are many ways to be efficient until purchasing a high efficiency washer is possible. First is simply to make sure you are only using the washer when you have enough whole loads. Washing with only cold water, when possible, is also a great way to keep colors from bleeding or fading faster, while also using less energy that hot water consumes. Washing clothes during non-peak hours, typically in the early mornings or late evenings, also uses less energy.⁵ Other tasks to consider doing only during non-peak hours are: watering the lawn, running the dishwasher, cooking/baking, and, if you have not already guessed, central air/heat.⁶

Another important note, keeping an eye on your water heater  during the winter season is also important in saving some money, and helping the environment. Now, many people know what a water heater is but not how it works. A quick summary, typical water heaters, electric and fuel burning, hold about 40 to 60 gallons of water.⁷ The cold water enters the tank and travels to the bottom, gets heated, and the water heater insulates that heat so it is ready to use. The temperature on your water heater can usually range from 120 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit,⁸ so lowering your water heater’s default setting to 120 degrees saves you energy and money, and it also prevents you and loved ones from getting burned due to high water heater settings.⁹ This is also important for when you go on vacations. Most water heaters have a vacation setting, so consult your water heater manual before making any changes.

Another important thing to do for your home is to make sure it is properly insulated. If your residence is not insulated, energy and money are almost literally draining away. Arguably one of the most important areas in the home to insulate is the attic. Heat rises and can escape through your attic quite readily. This can be an extensive project, but important. It may seem like an expensive task at first, but in the long run you are saving yourself on those costly heating bills in the future. It is important to note, while it is possible to insulate your home yourself, there is a point where calling a professional is required. Read further about insulating your home  and knowing when it’s time to start getting professional estimates.¹⁰

Another important area to insulate is your windows, especially if your window edges are older. In some cases, the molding might need a touch up, but it might be time to replace the window frame altogether.¹¹ When checking areas in your home for possible leaks, one of the most important places to check are the air ducts, “leaking ductwork may be responsible for up to 25% of total heating costs”¹² Hopefully all of these tips will help you have a comfortable cold weather season at home while minimizing the impact of staying warm on your wallet and the environment!