Quick Energy Efficient Heating Tips
Unlike keeping cool during a Chicago summer, the concept of staying warm during its bitter winters is usually not seen as a means of staying comfortable, but a means of survival. Although it can feel a bit uneasy, people can make due without central A/C. Without proper heating methods though, a home can become a completely uninhabitable place. Thankfully for most people, this is not a problem. Nevertheless, many homeowners still haven’t tapped into the many energy efficient heating solutions out there.
Thermostat and Heating Systems
Thermostat settings:
- Set at 60° F in the winter when you are away from the house or sleeping.
- Set at 68° F when you’re home. This can save 10 percent or more on your heating bills during the cold months.
- Never set the thermostat lower than 40° F when you’re away. 50 or higher for many houseplants is best.
Energy-efficient furnaces:
- Select an energy-efficient furnace model by looking for an “annual fuel utilization efficiency” rating of 90 percent or greater.
Maintaining your current furnace:
- Clean your furnace filters monthly
- Replace filters if necessary
Natural gas heating systems:
- Consider switching to a natural gas heating system.
-Natural gas is less expensive than many other heating fuels.
air flow:
-Controlling air flow throughout your home ensures energy efficiency, comfort and low costs.
-Talk to your heating contractor about the different options to create proper air flow.
Insulation
Attic and basement:
- Insulate your attic to an R-value of 38 for a gas-heated home.
- Insulate your attic to an R-value of 50 for an electrically heated home.
- Insulate your walls to an R-value of 19.
- Insulate the upper portion of your basement walls to an R-value of 10.
Windows and doors:
- Weather-strip and/or caulk all areas of noticeable leaks around windows and doors.
- Removable caulking is a good option for windows that you open in summer, but keep closed during the winter.
Fireplace
Fireplace usage:
- Use your fireplace sparingly. Many older fireplaces are somewhat inefficient, and draw more heat out of the house than they actually produce.
-Close the flue to eliminate drafts when you’re not using it.
Inserts, covers, and doors:
-If you use your fireplace a great deal, products like fireplace covers, doors, and inserts might help reduce the heat loss in your home when using the fireplace is in use.
-You save money on your heating bills while still being able to enjoy your fireplace
Space Heaters
- Portable space heaters can heat a single room without using your furnace to heat the whole house.
- Using a space heater to heat all or most of your home costs more than a regular furnace.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions when operating space heaters.
Windows and Solar Heat
ENERGY STAR windows:
- When installing new windows, select a double-paned (double-glazed) thermal windows.
- For existing single-paned windows, make sure you use storm windows during the winter months.
The Sun’s Rays:
- Keep window shades and drapes open during winter months.
- The sun’s energy can definitely heat up the overall temperature in your home, especially if it’s shining through south or west-facing windows.
If you’re in need of furnace repair as a means of increasing your energy efficiency, or if you simply want to learn more about what other energy efficient heating options are available, don’t hesitate to contact Besco Air, your Chicago heating contractors!
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