Reduce Home Heating Costs This Winter

If you want to save money on energy cost this winter, then you might find this article helpful. Here are some tips on ways to reduce home heating costs.

Consider Fuel Type

There are three main types of HVAC fuels; propane, electricity and oil. Research shows that natural gas, which is the most common type of fuel, cost average American households about $650 on energy cost during the last witner. Due to energy prices, households using oil, electricity and propane would have spent about $1,500, $2,100 and $1,700 respectively.

If your heating system is over 10 years old, then you might want to consider switching to a newer, more energy efficient model.

Clean Your Ductwork

Cleaning your duct work is an essential part of maintaining your heating system. Leaks may also increase your energy cost due to loss of air. To take care of this and other problems, you’ll need to hire a professional contractor. As technology advances, innovators have come up with better ways to seal leaks in your ducts. For instance, aeroseal, an invention by Lawrence Berkeley, involves blowing sealant into ductwork, forming tight bonds on leakages.

Service Your Heating System

Experts recommend servicing your system at least once a year. Hiring a NATE certified contractor ensures that the job is done professionally and will cost you between $100 and $500. You could also do your part and change filters in your forced-air system a couple of times during the winter season.

Repair Drafts

Certified energy auditors will use blower door tests to locate leaks in your ductwork. The services will usually cost between $200 and $1000. If this amount seems like too much for you, you could use lower tech methods such as incense sticks. All you need to do is turn on every exhaust fan in your home and hold the stick near electrical outlets, doors and windows. You’ll know there is a leak when the smoke blows sideways. These leaks need to be sealed using expandable foams, caulk or weather stripping.

Jodi Hugoe