Q–I’ve heard somewhere that natural gas prices are on the rise this winter. That worries me. Is this true? And, if it is true, what are the best steps to take to combat this increase in prices?
A–You’re right. Early indications show that natural gas prices are probably headed up, maybe substantially. This, according to Peoples Energy, is the result of lower productivity and increased demand. Plus, last winter was warmer than normal. So heating bills were lower than normal.
Now, add in a colder-than-normal winter with the new natural gas rates and you could see a sizable rise in your gas bill over the next six months or so.
But there are ways of trying to keep those bills manageable by taking on a few cost-effective energy-efficiency steps.
For example, one of the best investments you can make energy efficiency-wise is in a programmable set-back thermostat. These devices are $100 or less and can be installed by most homeowners. Having someone install it for you should be about $50.
Using the thermostat, you can program it so your furnace or boiler decreases the temperature from 72 degrees to 64 or 62 after you go to bed for the night. You’re not going to notice that drop in temperature when you’re asleep and under the covers.
The thermostat can then be programmed to raise the temperature back up to 72 degrees to make your home comfortably warm before you wake up.
You can also program the thermostat to lower temperatures when you’re not in the house during the day. In the summer months, you can also use the thermostat to raise and lower air-conditioning temperatures and save on your electric bill.
By the way, you can come close to accomplishing the same with a manual thermostat if you simply remember to turn the dial up and down. You will, however, wake up to a cold house.
Here’s another simple tip: Make sure the air filter on your furnace is clean, especially if you haven’t checked it all summer (a central air-conditioning system can really clog it). A dirty or clogged filter will cause your furnace to work harder and burn more natural gas and electricity than needed to keep your home warm.
Also, if your house is drafty, detect the sources of those drafts and close them off with caulk or sealing kits. These drafts could be coming from windows, doors or even large cracks in the walls. Drafts are what make a home feel colder than it is. They also cause people to crank up the thermostat.
Finally, if your house is poorly insulated, make the investment in new insulation, especially attic insulation, if you’re planning to remain in the house for a few years. Under the right conditions, insulation can be installed by a do-it-yourselfer. That will maximize the return on your investment.
Don’t forget that the above steps will not only shave dollars off a higher heating bill, but will make your home feel more comfortable.
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Got a question about home energy or home environmental issues? Write to Energy Q&A, Chicago Tribune, Your Place section, 435 N. Michigan Ave., 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60611. Or you can e-mail energyqa@aol.com. Questions will be answered only through the column.
