Weatherize to control heating bills

Heating bills are climbing. Actions like controlling indoor air temperature, controlling air leaks and maintaining your heating system may reduce those bills by 20 percent or more. Sufficient insulation in attics, ceilings and walls can cut heating costs by as much as 25 percent.

Lower the thermostat

Every degree the thermostat is lowered reduces fuel costs by about 2 percent. Keeping your home at 68 degrees in the winter, rather than 73 degrees, will typically save about 10 percent in fuel bills.

Lowering the temperature even further when the house is empty or when everyone is sleeping will also reduce the heating bill. If you keep forgetting to lower the temperature manually, a programmable thermostat can help.

There’s a common misconception that it takes more energy to raise the temperature of a previously unoccupied home to a comfortable range than it does to maintain that temperature consistently regardless of whether the home is occupied or not. This simply isn’t true.

Adequately insulate

Generally speaking, attics are the most cost-effective area to insulate. Also insulate heating ducts (especially in unheated areas such as attic crawl spaces).

Insulate all hot water heating pipes and domestic hot water pipes with foam tubing insulation. Consider adding an external insulating jacket to your hot water heater if your water heater’s factory-installed insulation is less than R-15. Insulate water heaters carefully (especially gas fired heaters) following the manufacturer’s guidelines. It’s important not to obstruct the top, bottom, thermostat, and burner compartment (if applicable) of the water heater.

Seal those air leaks

You wouldn’t leave a window open all winter long, but small air leaks around windows, doors, pipes, recessed lighting and electrical outlets can cause an equivalent loss of heat. These March winds are very good at pointing out where the leaks are.

Seal door leaks with weather-stripping or a door sweep; seal window leaks with caulking. Exterior points such as bulkhead doors and the spaces around pipes where they enter the house (called plumbing penetrations) can also let in cold air and should be sealed. Seal ductwork joints with high-quality foil tape or mastic paste. Despite the name, duct tape doesn’t work well. Avoid it.

Most heat loss occurs as warm air rises and exits the house through gaps around the chimney or attic, while also drawing cold outside air in through cracks in the basement and foundation. Pay particular attention to the attic hatch or pull-down stairs and to any interior wall top plates in the attic, as these areas are frequently leaky.

Homes do need to breathe. Harmful gases from the heating system and mold can accumulate in homes without adequate ventilation. While making sure your home doesn’t lose valuable heat it is also important to provide enough fresh air to maintain good indoor air quality.

Service heating system

As a general rule, oil systems should be cleaned and serviced annually, while gas systems should be serviced every other year.

The service technician should make sure the pilot light and thermostat are working correctly. Check the fuel pipe and heating exchanger for cracks or leaks and test the efficiency of your heating system.

Since all conventional heating systems produce carbon monoxide as a byproduct of combustion, getting your system checked is a safety issue, too. Change the filter in a forced hot-air system monthly during the heating season to help keep the system at peak efficiency.

Dirt, dust, and pet fur all reduce the effectiveness of radiators and baseboards that distribute heat. Clean these elements regularly and make sure furniture and drapes don’t inhibit the airflow.

Julie Cascio is the home economist for the Mat-Su/Copper River District.