Heating System Savings Guide
Fact: Heating is the largest energy expense in most
homes, accounting for almost two_thirds of annual energy bills in colder
areas of the country. Reducing energy use for heating is also the single
most effective way to reduce your home's contribution to global environmental
problems.
Best Features:
Heating systems are designed to make up for the rate of heat losses that
occur during the heating season. When selecting your heating system...
_ Compare annual heating costs of each
system by looking at the Energy Guide label.
_ Invest in the highest efficiency system available if you live in a cold
climate.
_ Specify sealed combustion when buying gas and oil systems.
_ Consider installing an energy_efficient heat pump system (if you have
an electric heated home).
_ Select a heat pump with a higher Heating Season Performance Factor (HSPF).
_ Choose a heat pump with a demand_defrost control.
Save Money:
High_efficiency heating
equipment can lower utility bills, improve comfort and air quality throughout
the home, and help reduce air pollution. Properly sized and installed
Energy Star® labeled equipment can save 10%—40% on heating bills.
_ Set your thermostat as low as is comfortable.
_ Clean or replace furnace filters once a month or as needed.
_ Tune and clean oil_fired boilers once a year.
_ Check gas_fired equipment every other year.
_ Install a thermostat specifically designed for heat pump setback instead
of resetting it manually.
