During this time of year, when many parts of the country are experiencing frigid temperatures, it’s important to get your home’s heating system in order. One of the best ways to turn your home heating system green is by making some greener choices that will allow you and your wallet to stay nice and toasty when the cold weather hits.
Here are some ways you can help save money and the environment this winter season.
Turn Down Your Thermostat
This is perhaps the most obvious way you can go green. By simply turning the setting down from 72 degrees to 65 degrees, you can, on average, save 10% or more on your home’s heating bill. It’s much cheaper to wear a heavier sweater, don’t you think?
Install Radiant Floor Heating
Radiant floor heating is some of the most comfortable and energy-efficient heating around. And if your home is already heated with a boiler system, it’s quite easy to install a radiant system. Imagine getting up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom and you step onto a nice, warm floor. There’s nothing like that feeling.
Make Sure to Size Your New Boiler Properly
If your old boiler has gone kaput and you’re in the market for a new one, it’s important to not only purchase an energy-efficient boiler but one that is the right size for your home. Purchasing a boiler that is too small is equally as bad as purchasing one that is too large. Both will skyrocket your energy consumption so seek professional sizing advice before making any buying decisions.
Consider a Sealed Combustion Boiler
For safety reasons as well as cost-savings reasons, it’s a good idea to purchase a sealed combustion boiler. These units draw air from outside of your home for combustion instead of using the air inside your home. A sealed combustion unit will eliminate back-drafting which can potentially release dangerous carbon monoxide into your living spaces. Also, since these units don’t use inside air that is already heated, you will most likely notice a rise in efficiency as well.
Paying More Upfront Will Save You Money Down the Road
Whether you’re building a new home or renovating the heating system in an old home, there will come a point where you have to make some decisions as far as out of pocket costs. Generally speaking, you will pay more for energy-efficient heating systems. The good news is, once you make the purchase you’ll begin experiencing a significant reduction in your home energy costs and these savings will occur for years to come. So figure your green investment will pay for itself in a matter of a few years, but the incredible savings will keep on coming.
These are just a few ways you can make greener choices in your home’s heating system that will save you money and the environment at the same time.
Last update of the article: 11/16/2020.
About the Author
James is your friendly neighborhood content writer here at the Green Living Blog. With a passion for all things sustainable, he’s your go-to guru for everything eco-friendly. Armed with a treasure trove of wisdom about sustainable living, recycling, and environmentally conscious practices, James is on a mission. He’s here to make sure you not only protect your family but also keep Mother Earth smiling. 😊🌎 When he’s not busy sharing eco-friendly insights, James can often be found teaching his cat that compost bins make the purr-fect hideaway. 🐱♻️ Join James on his quest to uncover the secrets of defeating wasteful habits while leaving the lightest footprint on our precious planet’s ecosystem.