The snow is falling — and so is the temperature. As we break out the down comforters and turn on the heat, many of us don’t realize how much we are needlessly spending to keep warm. U.S. households will likely spend about $2,175 this year on home energy, with space heating accounting for about 31 percent, or $674, of that cost, according to the Alliance to Save Energy, or ASE, an organization based in Washington, D.C. But do you know just what will run up your bill and leave you out in the cold?
There are plenty of old wives’ tales floating around telling you the best way to keep your house toasty. We uncovered the truths behind these common myths that wind up toasting your holiday savings. These are the best and cheapest ways to weatherize your home, whether you’re a homeowner or a renter.
Myth: Turning off the heat in your home during the day is the best way to conserve energy.
Fact: Don’t be penny-wise and pound-foolish, especially if you live in an area with a risk of frozen water pipes. Completely turning off the heat, letting the temperature drop and then reheating your living space could actually be more expensive than lowering the temperature of your home, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA. Keep in mind that repairing burst water pipes and any resulting damage can easily cost thousands of dollars.
The bottom line?”You should not turn the heating system totally off if there’s a chance of freezing
Myth: Using a wood-burning fireplace will reduce your heating bills.
Fact: “Fireplaces are designed primarily as entertainment-oriented appliances. They are not designed for heating large areas,” says Ashley Eldridge, director of education for the Chimney Safety Institute of America, or CSIA. “While there are some modern fireplace designs that do heat, most of your heating will come from a central furnace.”
Solution: Decorate your mantle, but limit lighting a fire to the times when you want to add a cozy touch (s’mores, anyone?).
Myth: Portable space heaters are energy hogs.
Fact: “Space heaters can be an energy-efficient option in a poorly insulated house when it is acceptable to only heat a small area,” says Sherman.
Solution: If your home doesn’t come with central heating, a portable space heater may be your best bet for warming up. However, not all space heaters are created equal; do your research before buying.
“High-temperature heaters have a radiant component and feel warm like a fire does,” Sherman says. “Unvented combustion space heaters usually use a cheaper fuel but emit contaminants that can be hazardous. They are banned in some jurisdictions because of health risks. There are almost always better options.”
If your home already has central heating, using an electric space heater can help save money — if you are willing to turn down the home’s main heating system. Consider using a portable electric space heater if you and your family tend to gather in one room for a few hours. But always keep these safety tips in mind: Clear a 3-foot zone around the space heater, never plug the unit into an extension cord, and remember to turn off and unplug the heater when unattended, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
Myth: You have to buy a lot of expensive materials and products to weatherize and insulate your home.
Fact: For renters and homeowners on a budget, redecorating your home during the winter can be an inexpensive way to insulate your home.
Solution: You probably remembered to switch out summer bedding for heavier sheets, blankets and duvets, but did you forget your windows? Heavy drapes can indeed help conserve warmth, but make sure drapes don’t block any floor registers, radiators, or baseboard heating units — otherwise it could be a fire hazard. It’s also a good idea to open drapes, blinds (and) shades on sunny days on the sunny side of the house to get free solar heat.
If you have ceiling fans, remember to switch to winter mode. When looking up, blades in winter mode (and on a low setting) should be rotating clockwise, pushing hot air that rises back down to the floor.
Myth: Electric blankets waste energy.
Fact: Electric blankets use very little energy. They are definitely more energy-efficient than the same-weight blanket and a higher room temperature.
Solution: People can feel cold at different times and at different temperatures. If you or your family members can’t agree on a room temperature, don’t automatically turn to the thermostat to suit everyone’s comfort level. Instead, using an electric blanket may help solve the Goldilocks-like temperature dilemma until everyone feels “just right.”
Myth: Your water heater always works efficiently.
Fact: Heating your water typically accounts for close to 20 percent of your household utility bills. You could save 664 kilowatt-hours per year, or about $72, by lowering the thermostat of a 50-gallon electric water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, down from the manufacturer’s default setting of 140 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the EPA.
Solution: Wrapping the tank with a fiberglass blanket also helps retain the heat longer, says David Slater, an Association of Energy Services Professionals member from CLEAResult Consulting. The blanket slows down how quickly the water heater loses heat, so you’ll use less energy to maintain the tank temperature.
You can find water-heater insulation blankets from about $20 at big-box stores such as Home Depot and Lowe’s. Install the fire-resistant blanket with the included safety straps or foil tape, and keep the blanket wrapped around the water heater year-round. “Do not use a bedroom blanket,” Slater says.
Thanks to the contributors for this article!
If you’re looking to buy a more energy-efficient home, remember to give me a call. You can find me through my website at http://www.NormaSellsNJHomes.com