Green Living Guide: How to Use Less Heat

Heating and cooling account for nearly 50%-60% of the total energy consumed in an average American household. The energy comes from non-renewable fossil fuels. This causes depletion of natural resources and emission of pollutants and greenhouse gases while processing the fuel.

Eco-friendly heating practices promote a safer environment and considerable energy and cost savings. Here are some tips on how to go green with heating.

• An energy-efficient HVAC will deliver good results will less energy. Although upfront costs on the device may be high, it will pay for itself over time in energy cost savings.

• Keep changing your HVAC filters periodically - clogged filters drastically lower the efficiency of the device. Filters are very cheap. They cost only $2-$3/month.

• Have an air-tight envelope around your home. This will protect the warm air inside your home from escaping out and will keep the cold currents outside from entering your home. Energy-efficient windows that come with non-conducting gases like argon and krypton offer superior insulation. Well insulated ducts in your home keep the warm air from leaking out and reduce your heating requirements.

• Warm air rises up. Install ceiling fans that rotate in a way that causes the warm air accumulating in the top of your room to circulate downwards. This is a green way to keep warmer without making your HVAC to work harder.

• Use a space heater whenever possible to heat just the space around you. Use a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature when you plan to be away from home.

• Have separate temperature controls installed in each room so that you can optimally adjust them depending on whether you use the room.

• Use warm furnishings in your home. Wool rugs and carpets can keep you warmer than a tiled floor. Hang energy-efficient curtains to keep the warm air in.

• Plant deciduous and evergreen trees near your windows to block the chilly winds in the winter. They will also help in summer by cooling the surrounding areas with their shade.

• When you need fresh air in your home, let it in during the noon when the temperatures are likely to be the highest during the day.

• If you are remodeling your home, place the windows and sky lights in such a way that they capture the maximum possible sunlight during the peak winter months.

It is easy to go green with heating in your home. Just be environmentally aware and practice eco-friendly ways diligently until they become your second nature.