Energy efficient heat

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Heating your house accounts for a major part of your monthly utility bills – a fact that’s only made worse considering many of us use outdated, inefficient boilers and furnaces. Within the last twenty years, manufacturers have developed furnaces that convert up to 85% of their energy to heat, instead of the 55-65% of prior systems. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Environment (ACEEE) recommends that furnaces older than 20 years should be replaced.

The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating determines how much energy is converted into heat – which is valuable in determining the boilers/furnaces that supply energy efficient heat. Before the 1960s, most gas heating systems only converted 60% of their energy input into heat. Besides putting a serious dent in your wallet book, these systems contributed large amounts of exhaust and other hazardous compounds into our air. Power plants release a large amount of carbon dioxide CO2 into our atmosphere which is the most prominent (and detrimental) greenhouse gas – so by using we inefficient heating systems, we are speeding up the effects of global warming.

Furnaces manufactured after 1992 have an efficiency of 80%, but if purchasing a new heating system isn’t possible, there are ways to increase the efficiency of your old system. Cleaning and replacing the filters are good ways to increase efficiency – dirty filters will trap/divert heat intended for your home. You should never place furniture in front of vents or in front of radiators; this will also prevent heat from circulating throughout. Sealing your ducts will also conserve energy – leaky ducts can waste up to 20% of heated air. Also, turn the thermostat down or off when you’re away from home or even asleep. Lowering the temperature in your home by 10 degrees while you sleep can save you up to 2% on your next heating bill.

The Environmental Protection Agency has created a label for products that are the most energy-efficient and prevent greenhouse emissions: Energy Star. The Energy Star insignia (a star under an arch) can be found on almost every product, from television sets to clock radios to heating systems. Energy Star furnaces are the most common method of heating in the US, but Energy Star boilers are very popular in very cold climates. Rather than using a duct system, boilers by burning gas or oil to heat water or steam that then circulates through a radiators. Any Energy Star product will have a higher AFUE rating than products without it so you’re getting more for you money without contributing to global warming.

Using Energy Star thermostats is another way of ensuring energy efficient heat. These thermostats are programmable so houses don’t use as much energy if the family is away. Automatic thermostats provide your house with the most efficient heating at any given time, so it’s important not to override the presets – doing so will cost more on your next energy bill.

GreenDimes can get you started and will plant a tree in honor of your efforts to make an impact!

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