Plunging temperatures tell us winter has arrived — even if the calendar doesn’t agree — and with the expectation that soaring utility bills will soon be arriving in the mailbox, it makes sense to get some expert suggestions on how to help keep all those energy dollars from going up the flue.
Craig White, a spokesman for the Naperville-based Nicor Gas, says projected price increases are real and homeowners should adopt as many energy-saving practices as possible.
“It’s true that costs are up, partially due to increased demand and a lack of an increase in supply,” White said. “A lot of it is simple economics, but there are still a lot of things homeowners can do to save on energy costs.”
Many of Nicor’s energy-saving tips require attending to some basic home maintenance items that, together, can make a difference.
“We offer an energy checklist that looks at both indoor and outdoor components that customers should inspect,” White said. “For one thing, furnaces should be vented properly and inspected yearly, heating ducts taped properly and hot water pipes should be wrapped with insulation. There are things you should do related to water heaters, clothes dryers and even using your stove that can lower your costs.”
Nicor’s Web site includes a separate listing at www.comfortcheck.com that requires customers to log in with their name, address and account number. Following registration, the site allows users to calculate appliance costs based on age and size, as well as get tips on how to save on energy bills.
Experts say that proper maintenance and efficiency of your furnace should be a high priority. Sue Chappel, owner of Chappel’s Heating and Cooling in Carol Stream, says homeowners shouldn’t wait until something goes wrong.
“It’s important people have an annual inspection and cleaning of their furnace,” said Chappel. Greg Budinger, owner of Allied Air and Heating in Palatine and Libertyville, says a safety check and cleaning requires about 30 to 45 minutes and should include a number of steps.
“For most furnaces, you’re looking at cleaning the burners and pilot assembly, and checking that there are no holes in the heat exchange,” Budinger said. “All safety controls should be checked, plus an inspection for gas leaks and overall operation, including lubricating the motor if it can be.”
Chappel estimates that industry-wide an annual cleaning and inspection should cost $65 to $75, an amount she says is easily recouped from savings on your energy bill. A second tip she offers is replacing your standard thermostat with a programmable model that automatically raises and lowers heat and other functions, based on the hours the home is occupied.
“Estimates of up to 30 percent in energy savings are possible with a programmable thermostat,” Chappel says. “We sell a couple of models that are battery operated or permanently wired into the house. Some models control your furnace’s humidifier, as well as the time the fan or blower runs. Many of the units today have `smart chips’ that can memorize not only when you want the heat turned up but how long it takes to reach that heat so they know when to turn themselves on.”
Budinger agrees that energy cost increases are real and says “a setback or `clock thermostat’ is the most cost-effective energy saving device there is.”
Chappel sells battery-powered units for $115 installed, and electric-power units with more features for about $200. OurHouse.com sells a Honeywell “Magic Stat” programmable thermostat for $49.99, which you could install yourself.
Regardless of how you control your heat, 70 degrees seem to be the magic number. “It’s true that for every degree above 70, your energy costs rise 3 percent,” White said.
Budinger believes that lowering your heat setting by 10 degrees when the house is empty and at least 5 percent at night will help your realize the most savings and still be reasonably comfortable when you’re home.
Windows are the biggest source of heat loss in a house, and while replacement is an expensive option, there are still things you can do with the ones you own now.
Older windows weren’t always insulated properly, says Jeff Fortuna, who coordinates outside sales for Woodland Windows in Roselle, so homeowners should consider removing the inside trim around them and making sure to insulate properly around the window and the two-by-four framing. Expect to pay about $45 per hour for a tradesman to do the work for you.
“Owners should also check that the exterior caulk isn’t cracked, and if windows are made of a single pane glass, adding a storm window should help,” he said.
If you do decide to upgrade windows, look for wood-core models that are more thermal efficient, with double-pane or low-E glass.
“Make sure that units come with good weather stripping, like those with a rubber `bulb’ as opposed to some felt-like material, and a low-E glass or else doubled-pane with argon gas between the panes, which will conduct the cold less,” Fortuna said.
Try to use a combination of these tips for the greatest savings:
– Check furnace filters regularly. Chappel says this is one of easiest yet most neglected things that homeowners should do. Cost of filters range from $12 to $20 per year but you’ll save from 1 percent to 4 percent on your total annual bill by changing them monthly.
– White suggests avoiding the use of your fireplace gas log as a heating source. “In terms of providing heat, these devices aren’t efficient. You’re better off increasing your thermostat a degree or two,” White said. And be sure to close your flue when the fireplace is not in use.
– Cover mail slots, switch plates and wall plugs to avoid drafts. Budinger recommends checking your basement for any space between your foundation and the two-by-four plate on top of it for any openings. Seal any openings.
– Cover older windows with clear plastic to eliminate drafts. Cost for a kit is about $4 to $6 per window.
– Use ceiling fans in reverse at the lowest setting to redirect warm air trapped in cathedral ceilings back down to help balance room temperature. Experts also recommend using a humidifier with your furnace, which not only promotes a healthier environment but adds warmth: “It’s the same principal that occurs in the summer,” Budinger said. “The more humid it is, the warmer it feels. About 35 percent humidity will make your home warmer.”
– Add 10 to 12 inches of insulation in your attic, Budinger suggests. It will lower energy costs in summer or winter by 10 percent.
– If your furnace is more than 15 years old, consider replacing it with a new 95 percent efficiency model. Chappel says most builders put 80 percent efficiency models in homes; average cost is about $1,800. “A new 95 percent efficiency model can run $4,000, but you’ll save about $50 a month just in electric costs alone,” Chappel said. Savings on gas costs are estimated at $700 per year.
– If you need service, Chappel says the most common reasons for no heat are a dirty burner or a bad thermo-coupler. Diagnostic fees and repairs performed during normal business hours should run $125 to $150.
– Humidifiers, Budinger says, “are a high maintenance item that have to be looked at each year.” Have them serviced during your furnace’s annual clean and check.
