The vast majority of homes in the US heat their homes with natural gas, which is a fossil fuel and contributes to global warming. In fact, the combined usage of electricity, natural gas and fuel oil accounts for around 7% of all emissions of greenhouse gases in the US. As you can imagine, this is a huge problem and one that isn’t likely to go away soon. What can you do to make your home more efficient though? Are there better ways of heating a home.
Many people have to heat their house up over winter – even when they are not at home – simply because to not heat the home would risk a pipe becoming frozen. A simple answer is to use trace heating and a temperature controller. The controller will only turn on when the temperature falls below a certain level, making it very efficient and prevents wasted energy. Of course, there will be a small upfront cost to buy and install the trace heating, but overall it is bound to save you money in the long run.
Another thing you should think about is insulating your attic. Hot air naturally moves towards cooler regions in order to heat them up, so if you have a cold attic a lot of energy is going to be wasted heating it. This is pointless and a waste of energy unless you have an attic conversion. A simple installation of attic insulation is usually all that’s required to cut down on wasted energy and reduce emissions. This is one of the easiest ways of increasing the energy efficiency of your home, but it is also one of the most effective. Aside from the attic, you should also ensure that the basement is as insulated as possible, as this has a similar effect on the temperature of the house.
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Heating ductwork, the fiberglass or sheet metal tubing above the ceiling or in the floor, is easily one of the most overlooked and under-appreciated things in the home. Although it is right overhead or under your feet, most never gives it a moment’s thought until there is a problem with it. Leaks within your system waste money and energy, as the air is supposed to be directly balanced; flowing evenly into all the rooms in your home. A cost- efficient system distributes air throughout the home, keeping every room at an even pressure flow and temperature. Even the newest ductwork will leak if not properly maintained, but such things such as hiding the ducts in the lower ceiling and in the corners, aid with the cost.
Making sure all the ductwork is properly insulated makes good money sense. When buying a new system make sure it is already insulated. If it is an older system, have a professional come in to perform a maintenance check, especially at the beginning of the winter and summer months. Always change out filters in the fall and spring. If there is air escaping, the system will have to work harder to heat or cool the home, wasting hundreds of dollars. Unless you are a professional, attempting to do the job yourself is probably not a wise decision. However, here are some simple things you can do yourself.
A thorough check includes examining the complete system for air leaks and holes. Look for joints that have become separated. If any are found, use high quality duct tape to seal them; you do not want the tape disintegrating or cracking from age. Make sure to have a barrier on the outer insulation so as not to have moisture vapor accumulate.
Upgrading to a newer system or maintaining your existing system, is vital in keeping the heating and cooling costs down, ultimately preventing pollution and giving you a quieter system. For more great tips on heating and cooling in your home, check out the Heating and Air Guide.
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