track

Keep Your Utility Bills Down as Home Heating Costs Rise This Winter

Keep Your Utility Bills Down as Home Heating Costs Rise This Winter

(NewsUSA)track – Winter 2022 promises the perfect storm for soaring home heating bills. The convergence of surging energy prices, plummeting temperatures and escalating demand means optimal energy-efficiency is more challenging and critical than ever.

Rising global energy prices hit home with forecasts indicating households could see their bills increase up to 54%, according to The United States Energy Information Administration. Further, forecasters including the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration and the Farmer’s Almanac predict a colder-than-normal season. Rounding out this frosty trifecta, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the rise of remote work which is set to accelerate and become a more permanent fixture as of 2022, industry observers say.

The good news is that families can prevent a utility-bill blitz by following a few simple tips. With home heating and cooling accounting for nearly half of home energy use, small steps can go a long way.

  • Ease Into Electric: According to Columbia University’s Earth Institute, electric systems are a solution to decarbonize home climate control. Among the most energy-efficient heating and cooling products, electricity-powered ductless mini-split systems, offered by companies including Fujitsu General America, can save as much as 25 percent on your energy bill. Plus, they are effective with temperatures as low as -15 degrees Fahrenheit. Mini-splits use thin copper tubing to pump refrigerant from an outdoor compressor directly into an indoor air-handling unit, where the air is quietly distributed to the interior space.
  • Get “Smart” About Climate Control: When it comes to smart home temperature control, there are Smart HVAC Systems and Smart Thermostats. Smart HVAC systems have built-in Internet capability and can be controlled directly without additional equipment. Smart Home Thermostats create “smart” systems by enabling remote temperature control via a mobile or Internet-connected device or voice-operated home automation system.
  • Voice Your Preference: Take control of your comfort. Most HVAC manufacturers offer apps that enable systems to be controlled from anywhere using a mobile device. Voice-control capability uses digital assistants, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home, to verbally dictate home temperatures. Easily controlling the temperature more closely allows homeowners to be more comfortable and improve energy savings.
  • Find Your Efficient Comfort Zone: Many of us live in homes designed for bigger families, but have yet to downsize. If you find yourself using a fraction of your home on a regular basis, consider upgrading to a zoned ducted, or ductless, system. That will allow you to save energy heating and cooling spaces where you and your family don’t spend a lot of time. This will multiply savings as you’re not only needing less cooling, but you also gain from a more efficient system in the spaces you do still use.
  • Try Low-tech Fixes: Simple changes can have a big impact. Take advantage of the sun’s energy to heat your home by opening your south-facing curtains at sunrise to make best use of “passive solar gain.” Force down warm air. Denser, cooler air stays closer to the ground, and warmer air rises. So, force it downwards with a low-speed fan. Insulate and fill the gaps. Warmed air leaking out around poorly sealed window frames, power sockets, recessed light fittings, and other gaps is a big source of heat loss in homes. Thick curtains help to insulate glass at windows.

If your utility bill is spiking as temperatures dip, a ductless heating and cooling system is definitely a worthwhile investment. Many Fujitsu systems with the Energy Star rating are more than twice as efficient as the minimum standard set by the government.

To learn more or find a contractor near you, call 888-888-3424 or visit www.constantcomfort.com.

Article Resources
Link to this article: Copy and paste the following code
Embed this article:
CO0Ib8

Keep Your Utility Bills Down as Home Heating Costs Rise This Winter

Published at Mon, 24 Jan 2022 12:57:11 +0000

Similar Posts

  • |

    Unraveling the Mystery: Why are Brown Cats Rare?

    Have you ever wondered why brown cats are such a rare sight? Join me as we embark on a whimsical journey through the fascinating world of feline genetics to uncover the secrets behind their scarcity. Key Takeaways: Brown cats are considered rare due to the higher prevalence of the feline primary gene for coat color…

  • |

    Unraveling the Mystery: Why is Hamburger Called Hamburger?

    Have you ever wondered why we call that delicious meat patty sandwiched between a bun a “hamburger”? It’s a question that has intrigued food enthusiasts and historians alike. Join me as we dive into the origins and etymology of this beloved American classic. Key Takeaways: The term “hamburger” originated from Hamburg, Germany, where a dish…

  • 5 Pathways to a Rewarding Financial Planner Career

    5 Pathways to a Rewarding Financial Planner Career (NewsUSA) – The number of Americans quitting their jobs reached record-setting highs in 2021. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, more than 38 million people left their positions during the year. More than 4.5 million of those resignations took place in November alone. If you were…

  • Unraveling the Origin: Why is it Called Tossing a Salad?

    Have you ever wondered why this act is called “tossing a salad”? Let’s dive into the origins and uncover the fascinating story behind this curious phrase. Key Takeaways: The term “tossing a salad” refers to performing oral sex on someone’s anus, also known as rimming or anilingus. The origins of the phrase are unclear, but…

  • |

    Uncovering the Mystery: Why Do Dogs Lay on Your Feet?

    Have you ever wondered why your furry friend loves to snuggle up at your feet? It turns out, there’s a fascinating reason behind this adorable behavior. Dogs have an innate instinct to lay at their owners’ feet, and it all goes back to their pack instincts. In the wild, dogs sleep closely together in packs…

  • Fall in Love with a Smart Wedding Budget

    Fall in Love with a Smart Wedding Budget (NewsUSA) – The to-do list for newly engaged couples can be daunting. Finding a venue, booking a caterer, choosing a dress — there are many details that need to be factored into a wedding budget, regardless of who is paying. Starting a new life together is a…