Simple ways to curb heating costs
As fall gives way to winter, air conditioners typically get turned off and heaters get turned on. Home heating costs can quickly add up for homeowners.
According to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, heating a space is the single largest energy expense for American households, accounting for roughly 42% of total residential energy consumption. However, individuals can implement certain strategies to cut down on heating costs and optimize energy efficiency.
Manage the thermostat
Managing a home thermostat is a cost-effective and simple adjustment. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, turning a thermostat back by 7 to 10 degrees from its normal setting for eight hours a day can save up to 10% a year on heating bills.
Utilizing the automated scheduling capabilities on programmable or smart thermostats enables people to program a lower baseline temperature when out at work or school and while sleeping.
Seal up the home
Warm air from indoors can easily escape through unsealed gaps in a home. Similarly, cold air from outdoors can infiltrate through the same spots. This causes heating units to work overtime.
Studies from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy indicate combining window upgrades with high-efficiency heating systems can cut heating demands considerably. Also, applying weatherstripping and caulking can prevent drafts, while ensuring adequate attic insulation will create a tight thermal barrier.
Change the heat delivery
Upgrading a heating system to a more efficient one can save homeowners money. According to research by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, replacing traditional fossil-fuel furnaces with electric heat pumps can drastically reduce energy expenditures. Modern heat pumps deliver more thermal energy than the electrical energy they consume.
Homeowners have different options that may help them reduce their heating and energy bills.