Simple, inexpensive tips cut heating costs

In December, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration projected that the average household expenditures for natural gas could increase approximately 10 percent in the Midwest during the winter heating season. Propane costs are projected to increase by 22 percent, according to the EIA.

“The first line of defense against high heating costs is the knowledge that we can all take steps to decrease our energy usage in our homes,” said Anita Randolph, Energy Center director, in a news release.

Among the low cost or no cost recommendations for energy efficiency and lower heating costs are:

• Set back the thermostat. Turning back the thermostat 10 degrees to 15 degrees for eight hours can save 5 percent to 15 percent a year in heating costs. Savings can be as much as 1 percent for each degree the thermostat is turned back, if the setback period is eight hours long.

• Lower the thermostat on the water heater to 120 degrees.

• Clean or replace air filters once a month.

• Insulate and seal ducts located in unconditioned areas such as attics and crawl spaces.

• Seal air leaks around doors, windows and other openings, including plumbing and electrical penetrations and holes through the foundation, walls and ceilings.

• Upgrade insulation levels to R-38 in the attic and R-19 in the walls and in the floor in areas located over a crawl space or an unconditioned space. The R-value is an indicator of how well a material resists heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation is at keeping out the cold air.

• When replacing furnaces and other heating systems, install high-efficiency equipment that carries the Energy Star label, which signifies that it is Department of Energy-qualified as an energy and money saver that helps to protect the environment.