How to save on heating costs and reduce energy usage
Learn how to save energy and reduce your heating costs with a few simple steps, and make your heating system more efficient with Viessmann.
Reducing energy consumption and saving heating costs go hand in hand. According to energy.gov, private households in the US spend up to 42% of their utility bills on heating, and this figure doesn't include the energy used to heat water.
For this reason alone, it's worthwhile to start saving energy on heating, and some estimates suggest that you can reduce your heating bills by up to 30% and reduce environmental pollution at the same time. In addition to this, energy saving heating can help you be more energy secure against rising fuel prices.
The good news is that, by increasing efficiency this can be achieved quite easily in your everyday life. Let's look at energy efficient heating systems and how you can maximize energy efficient heating for homes.
Energy saving heating tips
Whether it's with a high efficiency heating system or through professional maintenance, our energy saving heating tips will help your system run optimally. Read on to learn more.
1. Lower the thermostat
Lowering the room temperature depending on the room and time of day will make more efficient use of energy. Pay attention to the following energy efficiency thermostat settings:
- 68 to 72 °F (20 to 22 °C) for playroom, study, and living room
- 65 °F (18 °C) for kitchen and bedroom
- 59 °F (15 °C) for hallway
The savings potential shows how important the right room temperature is: if you lower the room temperature by just a few degrees, this reduces heating costs by up to six percent in older buildings. In new buildings, the savings may be smaller.
2. Use proper ventilation
Proper ventilation of your rooms is also considered one of the most effective ways to save energy. Important: when airing out a room, open the windows fully for short periods of time (about 5 minutes) instead of opening them for long periods of time.
Turn down the heat while you are airing out. Repeat the process up to three times a day if needed. Depending on the time of year, you may be able to ventilate for longer than 5 minutes although you should tailor this to the temperature outside.
3. Regular maintenance
To increase energy saving in your heating system, regular maintenance is essential. Hydraulic balancing and an annual service of the heating system by an HVAC accredited technician are the most effective ways of saving energy and reducing your heating costs in the long term.
Much like when we get our vehicles serviced, regular heating system maintenance also extends the service life of your heating system and ensures safe and trouble-free operation. In addition, it protects the environment and saves heating costs while maintaining a high level of heating and hot water comfort.
4. Upgrade to energy efficient heaters
Particularly for those with older heating systems, upgrading old radiators or other heating appliances can significantly reduce energy costs. Today, there are many energy efficient electric heaters available. However, energy efficient gas heating systems are generally more cost-effective and use less fuel.
Speak to an HVAC expert to learn more about which energy efficient heating and cooling appliances are most suitable for your home and climate.
5. Stay connected
Using WIFI-enabled equipment like Viessmann's Vitodens 100 and 200, is a great way to monitor your home’s comfort while also keeping track of important performance indicators, even when you’re on the go. Not only do web-enabled apps offer insight on energy statistics and remote monitoring, they can also take the guesswork out of a homeowner’s service requests.
Specialized technology like Viessmann’s ViCare App provides double the support with remote monitoring of your system while allowing the option of contractor access. Sharing your contactractor’s contact information within the app alleviates stress and saves time by directly connecting your professional and your system for quick support and seamless monitoring.
How can you save even more energy?
1. Change your heating habits
Changing your heating habits can significantly reduce your heating costs. For example, use an extra blanket on your bed and turn down the temperature while you sleep. And instead of turning up the thermostat and walking around in t-shirts, encourage your family to wear warmer clothes. Making these kinds of simple changes will make a real difference, without you freezing within your own four walls.
2. Different temperatures in different areas
The feeling of warmth is always subjective. One person may like it very warm while another may like it a little cooler. Today's modern energy efficient heating systems can be set at different temperatures in different areas of your home. After all, the rooms are used in different ways and may also be indirectly heated, for example, by people in the room or by running electrical appliances.
3. Ensure your house is properly insulated
Finally, ensuring your house is properly insulated is among the best ways to maximize energy efficient heating for homes. High-quality insulation prevents heat loss from your roof, ceiling and walls, allowing your system to burn less fuel to achieve the same level of warmth. In many homes, it is easy to add additional insulation in the attic space, and this is often the most cost effective and beneficial way to make an insulation upgrade with the greatest payback.
For more information on energy efficient heating for homes, contact us today to discuss your options, as well as how our services can help keep your system running optimally through regular maintenance.