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Home Heating Info for Do-It-Yourselfers
The combined home
heating and cooling systems in the United States
emits over a half billion tons of carbon dioxide
into the Earth’s atmosphere annually, which adds
to the problem of global warming.
If that wasn’t bad enough, our heating and
cooling systems also produces approximately 24%
of the nation's sulfur dioxide and 12% of the
nitrogen oxides, which are the chief ingredients
in acid rain. Okay, so saving the environment
isn’t at the top of your list of things to do.
So, let’s talk money.
Fact, the average home heating and cooling
system consumes more energy than any other
system, including entertainment, and major
appliances such as washers, dryers, cook stoves,
ovens, etc. By making a home more energy
efficient, the average homeowner can save
approximately 20 to 40% on their annual energy
bills, and we all want to save money.
The following are some simple tips on how you
can start saving money on your energy bills as
well as reduce the amount of pollution your
system puts out each year.
The first thing you can do, is contact your
local energy provider and request a home energy
audit. This service is often free and will
provide you with valuable information on how
energy efficient your home truly is.
One of the simplest steps you can take is by
changing your light bulbs. By installing Energy
Star qualified lighting and light bulbs, you
will use 2/3 less energy. In addition, by
replacing a 100-watt incandescent bulb with a
32-watt compact fluorescent bulb you can save
approximately $30 in energy costs over the life
of the bulb. Start by changing the bulbs in your
five most frequently used lights.
Next, turn the temperature back on your
thermostat to its lowest and comfortable
temperature in the winter and it highest and
comfortable temperature in the summer.
Make sure that you clean or replace the filters
on furnaces once a month or as recommended by
the manufacturer.
While you are replacing or cleaning your
filters, also clean warm air registers,
baseboard heaters, and radiators. Also, ensure
that furniture, carpeting, or drapes are not
blocking them.
If you have hot water radiators, make sure that
you bleed them twice a year. If you do not know
how to do this, then contact a professional to
instruct you, or to do it for you.
Make sure your home has proper insulation. A
home energy audit should point this out to you
if there is not enough insulation. Properly
installed insulation in floors, walls, and
attics will maintain more even temperatures
throughout the house, while using less energy.
Consider installing energy efficient windows
with advanced coatings and construction that
will reduce heat lost during the winter and heat
gain during the summer. Not only will you be
reducing your energy cost, but also the damaging
effects of UV sunlight on your carpets and
furnishings.
Seal all cracks and holes in your home’s
external walls, this includes where electrical
and gas lines as well as telephone, and
television lines run into the home. Also, make
sure that your ducts are sealed tightly. Sealing
these cracks will help reduce drafts, moisture,
dust, pollen, pests, and noise. A properly
sealed home will provide more comfort and reduce
energy and maintenance costs.
Consider installing a more energy efficient
heating and cooling system. You will use less
energy, which lower your energy bills. In
addition, most new energy efficient systems have
greater durability and are backed by longer
warranties.
When purchasing new appliances as well as new
windows, doors, heating and cooling systems,
make sure that they have the ENERGY STAR label.
The ENERGY STAR® is a program of the U.S.
Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) designed to help
consumers identify energy-efficient appliances
and products. For more information on ENERGY
STAR, please visit: energystar.gov
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Home: Easy Do It
Yourself Heating
Passive Solar Heating
Tips for the Do-It-Yourselfer
Weathering the High Cost of Heating Your Home
Gas, Oil, Electric, and Solar: Which Heat is
the Best?
Energy Loss is Expensive
Insulation—How Much is Enough?
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