Implementing home heating conservation tips can save you money on your utility bills.
An electric central heating system delivers heat to a home. It has three primary components--the heater (heat pump, boiler or furnace), air duct system and the thermostat. Although electric heating units generally are considered an energy-efficient way to generate heat compared to oil and gas units, homeowners can employ certain tips to conserve more energy and save money on utility costs. Does this Spark an idea?
Insulate Your Home
Insulating your home is an important measure to conserve heat and reduce energy costs. This is true whether your central heating system produces heat from a heat pump, furnace or boiler. Insulating a home prevents hot air from being quickly lost to the attic or crawl space above as it rises, which can make a room temperature feel cooler. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends adding insulation to existing insulated areas, like the attic, and putting insulation over a garage, crawl space or behind a wall that leads to the attic--places that may not benefit from insulation now--to reduce home heating bills.
Lower the Thermostat
A higher thermostat setting leads to higher heating bills. The recommended temperature setting is 70 degrees for daytime and slightly cooler for nighttime during the winter. Atmos Energy Co. claims that for every degree above 70 degrees, a homeowner pays 4 to 6 percent more in heating costs. It also recommends lowering the thermostat to 55 degrees if you plan on being away for an extended period to conserve energy.
Seal Leaky Air Ducts
An electric central heating system transports heat throughout a home through a system of air ducts. Although the system is generally designed well, a leak can occur anywhere along the air duct system, especially at its joints. When a leak occurs, it allows hot air to escape into the attic and crawl space, making the house cooler. Conserve heat by inspecting your air ducts for possible leaks or hiring a heating repair technician to do it. If you detect a leak, seal it with foil-faced tape or duct tape.
Replace or Clean Filter
Most central heating systems have air filters that prevent dust and debris from entering the home. Yet these filters can become clogged over time, which restricts air flow and causes the heater to work harder. Replace a disposable filter or clean a reusable one about every three months and sometimes less during winter months to keep the system functioning efficiently. Atmos Energy Co. states that you can save 5 percent in energy costs just by keeping your filter clean.
Tags: central heating, central heating system, crawl space, heating system, Atmos Energy, attic crawl
