When your home is heated efficiently, you not only help save the environment, but you also give your wallet a break. You can be more comfortable and save a considerable amount of money by improving your home’s heating efficiency.
An inefficient heating system costs you more money to run and maintain. Inspection of your heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) system should be performed regularly. The cost of the service is far less than the cost and inconvenience of unexpected breakdown expenses. In addition to regular maintenance, other options exist that will require some up-front expense, but can save you significant money in the long term.
Replace Your Existing System
If your central heating system is over ten years old, you may want to consider replacing it. New furnace systems are more efficient and reduce the amount of fuel needed to heat your home. Installing a new heating system will minimize repairs and save you money over the long run.
Solar Hot Water
Solar hot water is one of today’s most widely used green energy technology. Solar hot water heater systems are a cost-effective way to generate hot water for your home or business. Solar water heating (SWH) systems can be used in any climate. They can provide year-round hot water for your home, commercial building and even your swimming pool. With local qualified installers, it’s easy for anyone to incorporate this technology – and to save money while doing it.
Geothermal Heat Pumps
A geothermal heat pump system can be installed almost anywhere in the US. Geothermal heat pumps tap into stable underground thermal temperatures to provide heating and cooling. By taking advantage of the moderate ground temperatures to boost efficiency, geothermal reduce your overall heating and cooling costs.
Your investment can be recouped in two to seven years. In the following years, you will find your energy and maintenance costs are far less than with conventional heating and air conditioning systems. A geothermal system can cut your utility bill by 30 to 50 percent when compared to conventional heating and air conditioning systems.
Get a New Thermostat
A programmable thermostat can save up to 30% on energy costs and make your home more comfortable by automatically adjusting the temperature for sleep times, when you are away, weekends or workdays. By maintaining the required temperatures for only a few hours a day instead running a continual temperature, a digital programmable thermostat can help save energy and reduce your energy costs throughout the year. Within a few years, energy-efficient heating controls can pay for themselves.
Tax Credits and Rebates
For qualified energy-efficient product or renewable energy system purchases that reduce your electricity and natural gas use, there are credits and rebates available from the Federal Government and your state. Your local utility companies should also have a number of incentive and rebate programs for customers who reduce their electricity and natural gas use.
Other ways to save on your heating bills is to make small alterations to the home itself. An additional layer of insulation in your attic will reduce the amount of heat that passes through your ceilings. Stop heat from escaping through cracks and crevices by sealing gaps beneath doors. Caulking around your windows and coating them with plastic covers can also reduce heat loss.
For best results, consider starting with a Home Energy Audit. This will help evaluate your home’s overall energy efficiency and how you may want to reduce consumption and costs. An audit takes into consideration much more than just your heating and cooling systems. It will give you a benchmark from which to make decisions and measure your energy saving progress.
For more information about your energy-saving options, speak to one of our customer service representatives by calling 845-237-2291 today.