Heating Experts Offer Hints For Saving Money
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
Even with the continually unseasonal weather it is almost guaranteed that winter weather will hit the area, and once it does you'll need to ensure that your heating systems are up to par.
One of the most important things to look into is the amount of carbon monoxide produced by the heating system. Anything that burns oil, coal, natural gas or any other fossil fuel produces carbon monoxide. The key is making sure the system does not produce an excessive amount of the gas, and that the gas that is produced is properly ventilated.
Heating experts recommend installing a carbon monoxide detector. Anyone who wishes to purchase a carbon monoxide detector should purchase one approved by the American Gas Association.
Carbon monoxide can be reduced by: first, making sure the heat system is void of defective and worn out parts and checked by a professional once a year; secondly, all chimneys and flue pipes should be cleared of any debris.
Once the carbon monoxide problem is solved, the next step is to check the efficiency of the heating system.
The heating system involves more than the heat pump, wood stove or furnace. Those account for approximately 60 percent of energy consumption. The water heater covers 20 percent, and miscellaneous other utilities account for the rest.
Protecting the heating and cooling system is the key ingredient in keeping the bill down. Here are the best ways to accomplish that goal.
• Be sure the home is well insulated. Make sure to insulate overhead to trap in heat. Also insulate garage walls and doors.
• Replace all filters and check to prevent any difficulties.
• To prevent heat loss cover windows with sheets of clear plastic and place storm doors over major doors.
• All heating ducts should be covered with fireproof insulation.
• Check all heating ducts for cracks, holes or other places a loss of heat could occur and repair them.
• Cover all drafts with weatherstripping or caulking.
The water heater is the next most important piece of the heating system. A few simple steps can prevent heat loss and save money.
• Wrap all hot water pipes to trap in heat. This will also decrease the time it takes to get hot water to the tap.
• Turn down the thermostat on the water heater when away from home longer than one week.
• Stop all leaky faucets to save on the amount of water used.
Other ways to keep heating and electric costs down include cleaning the cooking range to assure efficient operation; when washing clothes, keep the water level control as low as possible and use the proper temperature.
These steps can help cut heating bill costs this winter, but according to Larry Easterday of the Kosciusko County REMC, the cheapest way to heat a home is via a geothermal heating and air conditioning unit. [[In-content Ad]]
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Even with the continually unseasonal weather it is almost guaranteed that winter weather will hit the area, and once it does you'll need to ensure that your heating systems are up to par.
One of the most important things to look into is the amount of carbon monoxide produced by the heating system. Anything that burns oil, coal, natural gas or any other fossil fuel produces carbon monoxide. The key is making sure the system does not produce an excessive amount of the gas, and that the gas that is produced is properly ventilated.
Heating experts recommend installing a carbon monoxide detector. Anyone who wishes to purchase a carbon monoxide detector should purchase one approved by the American Gas Association.
Carbon monoxide can be reduced by: first, making sure the heat system is void of defective and worn out parts and checked by a professional once a year; secondly, all chimneys and flue pipes should be cleared of any debris.
Once the carbon monoxide problem is solved, the next step is to check the efficiency of the heating system.
The heating system involves more than the heat pump, wood stove or furnace. Those account for approximately 60 percent of energy consumption. The water heater covers 20 percent, and miscellaneous other utilities account for the rest.
Protecting the heating and cooling system is the key ingredient in keeping the bill down. Here are the best ways to accomplish that goal.
• Be sure the home is well insulated. Make sure to insulate overhead to trap in heat. Also insulate garage walls and doors.
• Replace all filters and check to prevent any difficulties.
• To prevent heat loss cover windows with sheets of clear plastic and place storm doors over major doors.
• All heating ducts should be covered with fireproof insulation.
• Check all heating ducts for cracks, holes or other places a loss of heat could occur and repair them.
• Cover all drafts with weatherstripping or caulking.
The water heater is the next most important piece of the heating system. A few simple steps can prevent heat loss and save money.
• Wrap all hot water pipes to trap in heat. This will also decrease the time it takes to get hot water to the tap.
• Turn down the thermostat on the water heater when away from home longer than one week.
• Stop all leaky faucets to save on the amount of water used.
Other ways to keep heating and electric costs down include cleaning the cooking range to assure efficient operation; when washing clothes, keep the water level control as low as possible and use the proper temperature.
These steps can help cut heating bill costs this winter, but according to Larry Easterday of the Kosciusko County REMC, the cheapest way to heat a home is via a geothermal heating and air conditioning unit. [[In-content Ad]]