Strategies to cut fuel costs this winter

As temperatures drop this winter season, one thing inevitably rises — your home fueling costs. According to preliminary estimates by the federal government, consumers can expect to pay 47 percent more for natural gas home-heat this year than they did last winter, due in part to the impact of Hurricane Katrina on natural gas production facilities. Rising prices are expected for consumers of fuel oil, propane and electricity, as well. With this winter’s forecast, ensuring your home is energy-wise is an essential step for all homeowners.

While natural gas usage leads American homes with 62 percent, electricity (27 percent) and heating oil (2 percent) also are consumed by American homeowners and can contribute to energy inefficiencies. Fuel options for homeowners largely depend on the region. In the Northeast, fuel oil or electricity are most prominent while in rural areas, choices are often limited to propane and wood. Elsewhere, natural gas and electricity are the main choices. No matter the heating fuel options, homeowners can reduce their costs.

Reducing fuel costs can involve both short- and long-term solutions and range from simple, inexpensive changes to major home modifications. Here are some ways that you can keep the cold out and the costs down this winter:

Caulk, Seal Air Leaks

By reducing air leaks, an average household can cut 10 percent of its monthly energy bill. While sealing windows and doors can help, usually the worst culprits are utility cut-throughs for pipes (plumbing penetrations), gaps around chimneys and recessed lights in insulated ceilings, and unfinished spaces behind cupboards and closets. Your local builder or remodeler can recommend an energy auditor to help spot all the inefficiencies.

Use Energy Wisely

Set the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120 degrees F.). Also, check if your water heater has an insulating blanket. An insulating blanket will typically pay for itself in one year or less. To lessen heat loss when you use your fireplace and the furnace is on, lower the thermostat setting to 50 or 55 degrees. Some warmed air will still be lost, but the furnace won’t have to use as much fuel to keep the rest of the house at its usual temperature. Install a clock thermostat to lower the heat automatically at night. You can save as much as 10 percent on annual heating bills with these simple strategies.

Upgrade to Energy-Efficient

You can easily lower electricity bills by choosing to upgrade to energy-efficient appliances and products. Replacing incandescent lights with compact fluorescents can save homeowners up to three-quarters of the electricity previously used by incandescents. The best targets are 60-100 watt bulbs used for several hours a day. Check the fixtures to ensure they will accommodate the slightly larger compact fluorescents.

Also use energy-saving settings on refrigerators, dishwashers, and washers and dryers. If you need to replace an aging, inefficient appliance, look at investing in an energy-efficient model. This holds true for appliances powered by all types of fuel, not just electricity.

There are a whole host of resources for keeping your home warm (and your money in your wallet) this winter season. Visit the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Web site at www.nahb.org for cost-saving ideas.

Happy Holidays from all of us at the Spokane Home Builders Association (SHBA). We are a local trade association that has proudly served our region’s housing needs for nearly 60 years. We are comprised of approximately 1,000 professional businesses affiliated with the construction industry, and we are poised to assist you with any project you have in mind, whether it is new construction, remodeling, or literally any home improvement venture you plan to undertake.

If we can be of assistance, please contact us at (509) 532-4990.