It should come at no surprise that the cost of home Heating Lake Oswego can represent a significant chuck of your overall utility bills during the winter months. However, some people fail to realize that there are many pitfalls in their home that can greatly increase the cost of Heating Lake Oswego. Keep reading to learn about the things in your home that may be adding unnecessary costs to your winter utility bills.
Outdated Furnaces
The latest furnaces being manufactured are incredibly environmentally-friendly; most boast an energy efficiency of around 90%. On the other hand, older furnaces have an efficiency from between 70 and 80%, and this can increase monthly energy costs significantly. If you have an outdated furnace, it can make sense to invest in a Heating System Replacement. Not only will this greatly decrease your energy costs, but you can recoup a large part of your out-of-pocket expense by applying for the government’s energy-efficient tax credit program.
Poorly-Insulated Ducts
Your furnace’s duct system plays an important part in how efficiently your home is heated. If your ducts are dirty, ill-maintained or not insulated properly, you could be spending a lot more than necessary to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. According to ENERGY STAR, insulating you ducts can increase your furnace’s energy-efficiency by up to 20%. This could mean a substantial savings on your monthly energy costs.
Drafty Doors and Windows
If your doors and windows aren’t properly sealed, the hot air in your home will escape much faster and cause your furnace to work harder. This can lead to higher utility bills during the colder months. To see if this is a problem, check your doors and windows for leaks by holding a match or lighter close to the seals. If it flickers or extinguishes, there is definitely warm air escaping from your home. You can caulk and seal drafty windows with an inexpensive kit from your local hardware store. For doors, a new draft-stopper at the bottom may be in order. A tightly wedged, rolled-up towel or blanket can also be very effective in a pinch.
If you’re concerned about your winter heating costs, make sure your home isn’t susceptible to any of these common problems. If you follow the tips above, you’ll be sure to spend less this season on the cost of your home Heating Lake Oswego.
