Home Heating Systems

How much more efficient are we today?

Winter brings colder temperatures to most of America. The majority of Americans no longer keep warm with a fire similar to the one shown or heat their houses with a fireplace. However the way we heat our houses, on average, is not that efficient. We are wasting on average, 60% of the fuel we consume. Let the fuel be oil, gas, propane gas, coal or wood.

How would you like to lower your heating bills by an average of 60%? I know this sounds too good to be true. Well, the good news is that this is true and you don't need solar panels or any rocket science to address your heating issues. All you need is the knowledge and data to apply the correct application of current technology to save money, energy and Earth. We have the technology, but don't expect your oil  or gas company to teach you the details. They want to sell you fuel, they don't want Trade Secrets or Insider's Info utilized to consume less. Now while I am unable to provide all the data in just one blog (that is why I have EnergyHotWire.com and GoingTrueGreen.com) I can tell you about myself practicing what I preach...

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"When I purchased my first and only house after years of renting, I learned the previous owners consumed at least 1,000 gallons of heating oil per year. After 2 years of energy saving steps, I only used 290 gallons. I received a payback on the energy saving steps within 3 winters. Today I am using 265 gallons of oil per year and this is all without making sacrifices. I do not put on a big wool sweater so I can lower the heat. The same is true for my electric bill when it comes to lights and electronics."

So what did I do? Below is the list of the steps I did to save a great deal of money, energy and our environment. Nevertheless, there are many variables involved so please realize that the list below was applicable to my situation. However, I also provide more specific data for free through my websites and blog postings so that individual home owners, such as yourself, can determine what applies to your situation.

What I did in my house that saved over 60% of consumption and cost:

1) Installed a separate domestic hot water heater
2) Added a second heating zone
3) Installed two multi stage programmable thermostats
4) Installed insulated wrap on all the hot water pipes
5) Installed more insulation on attic floor to a total value of R30. (Extra insulation did not have a vapor barrier)
6) Installed a Cold Start Control panel on the boiler for a total cost of $400.00. Parts and labor (12 yrs. ago)
7) Lowered the boiler's "maintained" temperature to 125

Many would be surprised to see the list on the left not showing new windows as a step. While you change windows for comfort and convenience, they are not a big energy saver. The average payback is 33 years because of this little known fact:
These new windows will save you 30% off your heating costs. Yes, but when you are only losing 7% of your heat because of your very, very old windows, you are only saving 30% of that 7% being lost!

So start perusing my websites and blog for more data on these topics. We are here to answer any of your comments or questions within a reasonable time, but you must spend some time and work at this to get things right for yourself and your surrounding world - Yes, our environment for you, me and our children. After all, great rewards never come easy.

Bill Lauto, at GoingTrueGreen.com
Environmental Scientist
International Sustainability and Energy Consultant
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