Home Improvement

Do you rely on natural gas for at least a portion of your energy needs? In these hard economic times, you need to be sure you are operating your gas furnace and appliances with utmost efficiency. This article will tell you how to save energy in your home and lower your bills.

Change your Furnace Filter

Changing your furnace filter on schedule will help you have a clean home, help reduce allergies, and obtain the maximum heat possible from your furnace. Having an annual checkup of your furnace is important for reasons of safety and efficiency. The heat chamber will be checked for holes that could release poisonous carbon monoxide into your home. The humidifier operation will be checked; with the proper humidity, you will be comfortable at a lower temperature. The thermostat operation will be checked to ensure the proper temperature is maintained. The air-fuel ratio will be checked.

Reduce Your Shower Pressure

You can achieve water heating savings of 25 to 50 percent, by installation of low-flow shower heads. A more economical solution is to install a valve between the shower head and the pipe, which will give you complete regulation of the water pressure. Lowering your water heater temperature from 140 to 120 degrees will reduce the water heating cost 6 to 10 percent. It also lowers the risk of being scalded in the shower. An older water heater, without adequate insulation, can benefit from installation of a supplemental insulation kit. A damper on a fireplace is easily forgotten. Leaving it open when not in use can lose tremendous amounts of heated air. Always close the damper securely after the fire is completely out.

An Energy Audit Could Reveal Surprising Heat Leaks

Consider having an energy audit by an expert, to identify the sources of heat loss in your home or business. Corrective measures will be recommended to reduce your energy bills.

Lower Your Heat Bill by Wearing a Wool Sweater

The easiest way to save money is to turn down your thermostat. Lower the temperature 1 degree and save 3 percent. Setting the thermostat on 68 degrees instead of 75 would lower your bills 21 percent.

Federal Tax Credits are Available

Energy tax credits are available through 2011 on certain high efficiency gas furnaces and hot water heaters. Tax credits are also available on building insulation, with certain restrictions. Gas furnaces more than 20 years old are usually very inefficient. Buying a new energy-efficient furnace should result in large fuel savings and possibly a tax credit.