Reduce Your Heating Bills:
I recently paid my heating bill. Every time I get that bill I try to think of ways to reduce it.
After brainstorming for a bit I came up with a starter list. Take a peek and comment if you have anything additional to add, the links are to my past posts regarding these particular topics.
Stop Fireplace Heat Loss:
Add an airtight door or chimney top damper or a Fireplace-Chimney-Draftstopper-Balloon-Pillow to your fireplace.
Lower Your Thermostat:
Install a programmable thermostat and set it low when your not at home or asleep. for every one degree that you lower you thermostat, equates to a one percent savings on your heating bill. Save money with a programmable thermostadt.
Seal Air Leaks:
Any air sealing efforts will complement your insulation efforts. Sealing air leaks is the most significant energy efficiency improvement you can make to your home.
To locate air leaks you need to look at areas where different materials meet, such as between brick and wood siding, between foundation and walls, and between the chimney and siding. Also inspect around the following areas for any cracks and gaps that could cause air leaks:
- Door and window frames
- Electrical and gas service entrances
- Cable TV and phone lines
- Outdoor water faucets
- Where dryer vents pass through walls
- Bricks, siding, stucco, and foundation
- Air conditioners
- Vents and fans.
- Plumbing vents and other penetrations into the attic [wires]
- Recessed lights and bath fans
Add Storm Windows To Old Windows:
Adding a good quality, tight storm window to an old single pane window gives you a huge payback.
Add Attic Insulation:
Adding attic insulation also as a huge effect on heat loss. Only add insulation after you have located and sealed all of the air leaks. Air leaks will travel through insulation.
Attics should have a minimum of R22 and up to R49 insulation. If you attic has loose insulation you should have a minimum of 6 to 13” and if you have fiberglass batt insulation you should have 7 to 19” of batt thickness.
Insulate you attic door or scuttle / access hole.
Add Insulation At The Basement Rim Joist:
Most houses with basements have wood rim joists that sit on top of a stone or concrete foundation. Many times this 1-1/2” rim joist is uninsulated and allows for a lot of heat loss. Adding fiberglass batt of rigid insulation at the rim joists will reduce this heat loss.