Heating is one of the largest energy expenses in most households, accounting for 35 – 50 percent of annual energy bills. Luckily, there are a few ways homeowners can cut down on heating costs this winter.
Lower your thermostat. Every degree a thermostat is lowered reduces fuel costs by about two percent. When you leave for the day or go to bed, turn down your heat. Remember to always keep the temperature above 50 degrees to avoid frozen pipes.
- Service your heating system. Each year it is important to make an appointment to have your heating system professionally serviced. Being proactive and scheduling your service before the temperature begins to drop is key to a worry free winter and can even help reduce heating costs. Set a calendar reminder and give us a call in the fall to schedule an appointment.
- Install a WIFI thermostat. WIFI enabled thermostats allow people to remotely control their home’s temperature. In a world of unpredictable work and family obligations, being able to adjust your home’s temperature while on-the-go saves money and energy without sacrificing comfort.
- Clean radiators. Making sure radiators and baseboards are clean is an important part of heating system maintenance. Pet fur, dirt and dust can reduce the effectiveness of heating distribution. It is also a good idea to make sure furniture and drapes are not preventing air flow.
- Seal air leaks. Small air leaks around windows, doors, pipes, recessed lighting and electrical outlets produce a substantial loss of heat. By reducing small air leaks in a home you could save up to 20 percent on heating bills. As part of Noonan Energy’s Home Energy Audit, participants will receive no cost targeted air sealing to help identify and resolve these issues.
- Consider a new heating system. If a furnace or boiler is more than 15 years old, it is time to start thinking about investing in a new one. ENERGY STAR® qualified heating equipment can actually be up to 15 percent more efficient than standard models and can save consumers money on heating costs.
- Adequate insulation. Making sure a home is sufficiently insulated can also lower heating costs considerably. Pay close attention to insulation in your attic, basement walls, floors and crawl spaces. Noonan Energy can offer up to 75 percent off insulation improvements, up to $2,000.
- Check your chimney. Checking chimneys is important for both fire safety and energy efficiency. To save money on energy costs, consider closing the chimney and fireplace dampers when they are not in use. This will prevent a draft and protect against heat loss.
- New windows. Consider investing in new windows as this can lower heating bills over time. If new windows are not in your budget this year, try using plastic sheeting in the interior of a window or purchase tight-fitting shades or blinds. During the day, open window shades on south-facing windows to maximize solar heat.
- Sign up for a home energy audit. While homeowners can take some steps to reduce home energy costs on their own, professional energy auditors can assess your home’s energy use and suggest next steps to increase efficiency. Participants are also offered generous rebates for certain suggested improvements.
At Noonan Energy we take pride in providing our customers with assessments that can save them money. Call 800-343-8829 or visit NoonanEnergy.com to schedule your free assessment and learn more about how a home energy audit can get you on the path to savings.