If you want to reduce your home heating bills in the Summit, NJ-area, there are a number of energy-saving steps that you can take to save money and become more energy efficient. With a reasonable amount of time and effort and, in many cases, very minimal expense, it’s possible to knock off a significant amount of money from your monthly utility bill. Additionally, if you’re experiencing any issues or inconsistencies with your heating, considering heating repairs in Summit, NJ might be a wise decision. If you want to be absolutely certain your heating system is ready to tackle another winter, call Stashluk. We’re here to keep you warm!
“When you are asleep or out of the house, turn your thermostat back 10° to 15° for eight hours and save around 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills.”
SOURCE: Energy.gov
Choose the right energy efficient heating systems.
There are a lot of older homes in the Stashluk service area of Union, Morris, Somerset and Essex counties, which means there are also a lot of older, fuel-thirsty boilers and furnaces chugging away in the basements of those homes. If “old reliable” in your furnace room seems to be doing a sufficient job of heating your home, consider what it may be costing you when it comes time to pay your monthly energy bill. There’s a choice: you can either hold firm and pray the boiler doesn’t break down, or you can be proactive and let Stashluk inspect your heating system and make energy efficient recommendations that will save you money and make your home more attractive to future buyers.
Stashluk will make the right suggestions based on your home size and heating needs, and we can direct you towards money-saving homeowner rebates that can soften the blow of installing new heating equipment or energy-saving products.
At the very least we can show you what steps to take to make your home more energy efficient if changing out your boiler is a non-starter.
For example, here are some other ways to save:
Insulate your hot water pipes
Hot water pipes that are not insulated can lose 2-4 degrees in temperature by the time water travels from your hot water heater to your kitchen or bathroom faucets, tubs and showers. By insulating your hot water pipes you’ll not only keep the water hot on its way to your kitchen sink, you won’t have to wait as long for it to emerge already heated when you turn on your faucet because it won’t cool as much while stored in your insulated pipes. Insulated hot water pipes can save 3-4% annually from your energy bills, according to Energy.gov. If you’re not sure how to insulate your hot water pipes or don’t have the time to do it yourself, call Stashluk and we’ll install the insulation for you.
Use smart and programmable thermostats.
Changing your old thermostats to programmable or smart thermostats is a great way to save on your heating and cooling bills. They give you the control you need to set and manage the temperature in your home so you are always walking into a comfortable living space. Smart thermostats such as Nest and Honeywell Lyric can learn your routine or can be programmed very easily – and even controlled remotely via your smartphone or internet browser when you’re away from home. Installing a new smart or programmable thermostat can save you $150-$200 on average in energy costs. Let Stashluk heating & cooling show you how replacing your old thermostats with programmable thermostats or smart thermostats can play a key role in saving you money and energy.
Install proper insulation
A home that is not properly insulated is like having money pour out of a hole in your pocket. Losing precious heat in the winter and comforting cool air in the summer through every gap and crevice in your home’s envelope contributes to higher energy costs. If you’re going to do anything to improve the energy efficiency of your home, insulating it to the hilt is not a bad place to start.
By adding weather stripping, new windows, and wall and attic insulation to your home you’ll not only eliminate bone-chilling drafts during the winter, you’ll retain more heat and reduce the output of your heating system, saving you money. Likewise, a well-insulated home will also retain the cool air provided by your cooling system in the summer, reducing your air conditioning costs as well.
Reduce the temperature of your hot water heater.
According to Energy.gov, water heating accounts for about 18% of the energy consumed in your home. If you reduce the thermostat on your hot water heater to a warm setting (120°F), you can save 4-22% annually on your water heating bill.
Check your windows and doors to eliminate cold drafts.
Make sure your storm windows are positioned where they belong to provide an extra layer of thermal protection and check your weather stripping and door seals for drafty conditions. If you have older windows you can cover them with plastic sheeting for added warmth.
You may also want to consider installing low-emissivity (low-e) storm windows. These can lower your utility bill just as much as replacing an entire window. Low-e windows have a coating that improves the window’s insulation ability, and can save 12%-33% in heating and cooling costs.
If you have older exterior doors and can see daylight through the bottom of the door, you should adjust the door threshold to eliminate the gap. One thing you shouldn’t eliminate is a thorough check of your home’s heating system before winter arrives. To have yours checked by a heating professional, call Stashluk now and leave your home heating system worries behind.
Water heater and steam heating repair and cleaning
A professional steam cleaning and flush of your water heater and steam heating systems can clean out the insides of the pipes and equipment and improve the heating and overall efficiency of your system. It can also improve the longevity of your steam heating system. To learn more, call Stashluk for details and to schedule a consultation.
Reduce heat loss from your fireplace.
For many homeowners, the fireplace is a focal point of the home where family and friends gather or where many a quiet evening is spent simply reading or relaxing. Your fireplace is also a prime suspect in allowing heat to escape from your home. To prevent the loss of your warm interior air, keep the fireplace flue damper tightly closed when not in use. You should also seal air leaks around fireplace chimneys and gas-fired or wood burning stove vent pipes. In addition, after years of use flue dampers can become misshapen and allow air to escape up the chimney or drafts to pour down your chimney and into your home. Replace an old damper with a new one that provides a tighter seal.
Call Stashluk. We’re heating repair experts.
Stashluk is the Summit NJ-area’s best full-service heating expert. Call us at 908.277.6200.
