How To Winterize And Heat Your Home For Less

15 january 2013

With the portents of the double-dip recession lurking around corner, now is the perfect time to start considering how you can save money on your heating and winterization costs. It is estimated that the average U.S. family spends US$1,900 annually on their utility bills. The majority of the $1,900 accounts for the gas or electrical heating systems which are installed on their properties. With this in mind, the following tips may help you to save money while keeping your loved ones warm and creating a comfortable home for the winter. (For more winter tips, read Ten Ways To Save Energy And Money.)

TUTORIAL: Nine Ways To Save On Winter Bills

Household Heating: Consider the Options
Whenever you move into a brand new property, it is always tempting to retain the existing gas or electrical heating system, as the cost of having a new one installed can be surprisingly steep. However, this does not take into account the potential for long term savings. Investing in an energy efficient system can more than repay its value over time. The geothermal heat pump (GHP) is currently the most cost effective option on the market, and works by heating ground water to a consistent temperature of around 55^oF.

It may require expert assistance to install, but a GHP can use as much as 50% less electricity than conventional heating systems. In effect, a U.S. household’s utility bill could be slashed to less than $1,000 each year, while the environment would benefit from the energy efficient technology. These ground pumps are also soundless, unlike traditional gas heating systems which can be extremely noisy when hot water is running. Consider all of your heating options and think about your long term savings and your budget.

Home Insulation: Useful In Winter Months
Home insulation, often referred to as cavity insulation, is a cast iron money saver during the winter months because it regulates the flow of heat from a warm area to a cold one. Typically, the colder it is outside the faster the warm air from inside escapes, which can leave your heating system on all through the day without any noticeable difference to the temperature. Cavity wall insulation slows down the rate at which warm air escapes your property, keeping each room of your house warm even when it is bitterly cold outside.

Of course, there are financial benefits to this. Throughout the day, your home should remain sufficiently warm for your heating to operate on a timer rather than being left on constantly. Instead of your heating system wasting energy and your money through constant and unnecessary use, your heating can be regulated and used far more sparingly with insulated internal and external walls. The best thing of all is that it is surprisingly affordable to get this work carried out in the first place. Contact your local contractor now for a estimate. (To learn more, see 9 Ways To Save On Winter Bills.)