Winter Energy Awareness Saves Money
By Kristi Vaughan
If soaring oil prices have you seeing red in your household budget, here are some tips for saving money while still keeping warm.
Spend next to nothing
The two easiest, and least costly, ways to save on your heating bill are to turn down the thermostat and add layers of clothing. At night, when you are going to bed turn the thermostat down even further and put another blanket on the bed.
Energy experts such as those in the California Energy Commission estimate that for every degree you lower your heat in the 60 to 70 degree range, you can save up to 5 percent of your heating costs. Lower the temperature at night to 55 degrees and lowering it when you are away for extended periods can save even more.
For those who might forget to manually lower the temperature or who don’t like waking in a cool house, there are automatic, or programmable, thermostats that raise and lower temperatures at predetermined times. Many of these can be installed by a competent do-it-yourselfer.
And don’t forget to note your thermostat’s location. The Connecticut Light and Power Co. points out that if your thermostat is located near a drafty window it will continue to tell your furnace to work even though the rest of the room is warm.
Stop the leaks
Air leaks are one of the biggest energy wasters in any home. The Federal Department of Energy estimates that you can save 10 percent or more by reducing air leaks.
You can test for air leaks by holding a lit incense stick next to potential trouble spots, particularly on a windy day. If the smoke drifts horizontally, you’ve got an air leak. To stop the leak use caulk, weatherstripping or another sealing agent.
Common sources of air leaks are window frames, electrical outlets, spots where plumbing and utilities enter a house, chimney flashing and sill plates.
Insulate yourself
Insulation works to keep cold air out and warm air in. Ceiling and wall insulation is rated according to thermal insulating values. Greater insulation, or insulation with a higher R value, generally is needed in the ceiling than in the walls. Insulation also may be needed under floors and around pipes and water heaters. Insulating covers also may be needed over attic openings.
To help you determine how much insulation you need, the Department of Energy has a prepared an interactive Energy Savers R-value map.
Maintain the system
Dirty air filters, cracked caulk, and old weatherstripping can negate your energy saving efforts. Maintenance steps you can take include:
- Replacing filters on your furnace
- Tuning the furnace before each heating season
- Keep radiators free of dust
- Improve water circulation in radiators by bleeding air
- Cover through-the-wall air conditioners
- Close central air-conditioning vents
- Check ducts to make sure they haven’t separated
