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Tips to Heat Your Home Affordably This Winter
Special to The Truth
Climate control accounts
for almost half the energy use in a typical U.S. home and is
also the largest energy expense for most people -- but it
doesn’t have to be. With a few simple solutions, you can be
friendlier toward your wallet and the environment this
winter.
Weather-Proof Your Home
Cracks, gaps and joints
can cause drafts that will undermine your heating efforts
and send your utility bill through the roof. Caulking,
insulating and weatherstripping can help curtail the waste
so you can enjoy a warmer, more comfortable winter.
Older homes may lack
sufficient insulation. Based on where you live and how you
currently heat your home, a contractor can help you
determine whether your attic, floors and walls need more
insulation.
Investigate Heating Alternatives
More than one million U.S.
homes are currently heated with pellets, and it’s no wonder
why -- pellet stoves eliminate 75 percent of the carbon
emissions associated with fossil fuel heating. That’s
roughly three times the impact of driving a hybrid car and
saves consumers $400 to $1,500 or more each year, according
to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association. Plus, some
state and local municipalities even offer a tax credit for
heating all or part of a home with biomass fuels.
Additionally, because
pellets are made from renewable resources like residual
forest waste and agricultural byproducts, they absorb nearly
as much carbon growing as they give off when burned, making
them carbon neutral, according to the Pellet Fuels
Institute.
To maximize cost savings,
look for a high efficiency, free-standing pellet stove, like
the XXV from Harman Stoves. This stylish pellet stove
delivers controlled heat thanks to its distinct cast iron
details and advanced room-sensing technology, which
automatically adjusts heat output to maintain a consistent
room temperature.
You can also cut costs by
replacing a drafty, masonry-built fireplace with an insert,
like the Harman Accentra 52i which offers powerful and
consistent heat with low maintenance and fuel-saving
technology.
To learn more about energy
efficient, cost-saving alternatives for home heating, visit
www.HarmanStoves.com.
Dress for the Weather
Your extremities are where
heat is lost from your body. While wearing gloves indoors is
impractical, you should definitely cover up your feet.
Invest in a good pair of slippers and some warm socks to
keep your feet and the rest of you warm. By dressing warmer
indoors, you will be able to keep the overall central heat
temperature down, resulting in real cost-savings.
New Windows
Heat loss through windows
can account for a whopping 10 to 25 percent of your heating
bill, according to the Department of Energy. If you have
older, single pane windows, it may be time for an upgrade.
Look for double-pane windows that are ENERGY STAR qualified.
It’s a one-time expense with a true return on investment.
You don’t need to feel
chilly or uncomfortable in order to lower your energy bills.
Take steps to improve your home’s energy efficiency.
Courtesy StatePoint
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