10 Energy Efficient Heating Tips

10 ENERGY EFACIENT HEATING TIDS Even with the coming of spring, chilly days still make their appoarance and lure us to crank up the hoat-and the energy bill in turn. But warming up doesn't have to put such a dent in your monthly budget. Explore 10 energy-efficiency tips that can help you stay comfortable without costing a for- tune or increasing your carbon footprint with this graphic from Ideal Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical. DID YOU KNOW? The typical U.S. family spends about $1,900 a year on home utility bills. Unfortunately, a large portion of that energy is wasted. The good news is that there is a lot you can do to save energy and money at home. PATCH DRAFTY AREAS According to the U.S. Department of Energy, drafts can waste 5 to 30% of your energy use. CHANGE FURNACE FILTERS It's easy to forget, but it's important to replace or clean furnace filters once a month during the heating season. Dirty filters restrict airflow and increase energy demand. Disposable fiberglass filters trap a measly 10 to 40% of debris, while electrostatic filters trap around 88% and are much better at controlling the bacteria, mold, viruses, and pollen that cause illness and irritation. RUN FANS IN REVERSE By switching your ceiling fans to run clockwise, warmer air that's pooled near the ceiling is circulated back into the living space, cutting heating costs as much as 10%. REDUCE HEAT-Loss BY THE FIREPLACE If you never use your fireplace, plug and seal the chimney flue to minimize cold air leaks. If you do use the fireplace, install tempered glass doors and a heat-air exchange system that blows warmed air back into the room. TURN DoWN YOUR WATER HEATER Lowering the temperature to 120 degrees F (or lower) can reduce your water heating costs by 6% to 10%. Consider a tankless water heater or solar water heater when it's time to upgrade. A typical family can save more than $100 per year by switching to a tankless water heater, according to ENERGY STAR. INSTALL STORM DoOrS AND WINDOWS The simple act of installing a storm door can increase energy efficiency by 45%, sealing drafts and reducing the transfer of your home's warm air to the cooler air outside. Similarly, storm windows can make a huge difference, especially during windy days and nights. GIVE YOUR HEATING SYSTEM A TUNE-UP Keeping your furnace clean, lubricated, and properly adjusted will reduce energy output, saving you up to 5% of all heating costs. Time for an upgrade? If your furnace is outdated or in need of replacement, the upfront cost can be daunting. But a modern furnace will save you every month and last for years to come. PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR THERMOSTAT For every degree you lower the thermostat during heating season, you'll save between 1 and 3% of your heating bill. ean Installing a programmable thermostat can make your life easier and also save you up to $180 per year. PURCHASE A WINDOW INSULATION KIT For a low-cost alternative to new windows, purchase a window insulation kit. Simply attach and set the plastic film in place with a hairdryer. This simple solution helps you save energy and money, and costs only about $10 per kit. USE AN ENERGY MONITOR Energy Now 254 wam Cost 25 '211 Measure your way to savings with an energy monitor that illustrates energy usage in realtime and projects your monthly bill. 54 12:38 23 You can save up to 15-20% on each bill, which can add up to hundreds of dollars a year-just by being more aware of your average energy consumption. ideal Sources: http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/improvement/winterize-home-tips-energy-461008#slide-1 http://www.sba.gov/content/tips-energy-efficiency PLUMBING • HEATING AIR ELECTRICAL SINCE 1960 http://residential.directenergy.com/EN/Energy/Pages/42-Tips.aspx http://www.phrggreen.com/energy-stats/ idealsvc.com http://www.energy.gov/energysaver/articles/tankless-or-demand-type-water-heaters\ 619-583-7963 http://www.energy.gov/energysaver/articles/fall-and-winter-energy-saving-tips LIC# 348810