If you want to reduce home heating costs, then there are a couple of things you need to take into consideration. This article shares information on how to prepare your home for winter and save money on energy costs.
Consider Fuel Type
Heating costs vary as you move from one region to another. Natural gas is one of the most common fuel types used for heating. Research shows that average homeowners using natural gas spent about $600 on heating costs during the last winter. If the same households were using propane, oil and electricity, they would have spent around $1700, $1500 and $2000 respectively. This basically means that you will save more money on heating cost if you use natural gas.
Clean your Ducts
Leaks, mold, dust and vermin can affect the normal operation of your duct system. Cleaning your ducts ensures you enjoy improved indoor air quality and protects your entire heating system from damage. If you decide to go about sealing leaks without professional help, then mastic and duct tapes can help take care of leaks. However, it would be better to hire a professional who will use technologies such as aerosealing to effectively seal leaks in your ducts. Aeroseal is a new technology which involves blowing microscopic sealant molecules into your duct, forming airtight bonds over leakages.
System Maintenance
Servicing your heating system at least once per year will not improve indoor air quality, but also increase your unit’s life. Heating system maintenance should be done by a professional with the right qualifications. A NATE certified contractor will have had the right training to handle this task professionally.
Drafts
Hiring a professional energy auditor will ensure your home is free of drafts which are caused by leaks in your system. The energy auditor will likely use the blower door test to locate and repair leaks in your system. If you prefer to go about this process alone, then a low tech method is available to you. All you need to do is light an incense stick and hold it over doors, windows and electric outlets. If the smoke blows sideways after you turn on all exhaust fans in your home, then there are leaks. Follow us for more articles that keep your HVAC system running efficiently and saving you money.
