With heating costs rising through the roof, the smart
option is to start looking into ways to cut your heating needs and
heating costs. The surefire way to do this is by switching off your
central heater and instead investing in some portable electric space
heaters for the areas that you expect to be in most - like your bedroom
and your living room or office. This way you're not running up your
heating bill by heating the entire home, but rather you're focusing on
the area that you're actually using.
Energy Sources
Some areas have
very low gas prices. In other places home heating oil is reasonable.
Electricity may be the energy source most prevalent where you live, and
parts of the world have little access to any inexpensive fuels. Find out
what is the best for you to use. Heat your home with the energy that
is cheapest in your area.
Consider heating
your home with the sun's help. Energy from solar panels or using solar
heat to supplement your normal heating source is cost effective in most
parts of the world. The initial cost may seem higher, but over the long
run it costs the least and many energy hungry areas provide generous tax
rebates for installing solar panels.
If wood is
plentiful where you live, have a professional install a wood burning
stove.
Regulating the Thermostat
In the spring and
fall, turn off the heat unless the temperature outside gets below
freezing.
Temperature
variations near the thermostat will affect the whole house. Be sure your
thermostat is located in an area that is not too cold or hot.
Install an
automatic timer to keep the thermostat at 68 degrees during the day and
55 degrees at night. If it seems chilly - put on a sweater.
Wear warm layered clothing indoors during cold
weather. Some of the new synthetics are the best for thermal layering.
Windows and Doors
Use
storm or thermal windows in colder areas. The layer of air between the
windows acts as insulation and helps keep the heat inside where you want
it.
Don't just
concentrate on the windows - install storm doors before the cold
weather arrives.
Open up those
draperies and shades in winter to let in the heat from the sunshine. If
you're worried about fading the furniture - use a slipcover.
Keep trees
from blocking the suns rays into your house. Prune any branches that
block the sunlight.
If you've
installed awning to block the sun in the summer make sure you take them
off before the cold weather hits. You want the energy provided by
sun-exposed windows during winter months - take full advantage of those
warming rays on your windows.
Keep windows
closed during cold weather, but be careful to "air out the house" on a
regular basis to avoid buildup of any toxins.
Check to see that
glass in all windows have fresh putty. If the putty in your windows is
dry and cracked you may want to consider adding some newer sealant. Also
seal any visible cracks with weather-stripping or cloth - newspapers
will do if you're desperate. Some folks just staple a sheet of clear
plastic tarp over very old windows for the winter.
Walls and Floors
Invest in a
wall heater, which can be installed remotely
and be regulated through a thermostat.
In colder areas it
makes sense to move furniture away from any exterior walls. Putting some
space between you and the cold walls makes the house seem warmer and
leaving room for the air to move around actually makes it warmer.
Think about
upgrading the insulation in your home. If you haven't already, insulate
your attic and all outside walls.
Insulate floors over
unheated spaces such as your basement, any crawl spaces and your garage.
You actually lose more heat through poorly insulated floor spaces and
basements in the average house than through drafty doors and windows.
Consider getting an electric
baseboard heater,
which offers a clean, safe and reliable heat source for individual rooms
when your central heating system isn't adequate.
800-868-6008
