Nowadays people are concerned about how to lower heating bills while the winter is around the corner. This is a great cause of concern as the cost of home heating has doubled over the last decade. Crude prices are now sky rocketing to the top and no one knows where it will stop, which is also a big reason behind this surge of heating bills. One of the things you can do is to opt for different forms of fuel. The following are a few measures one can take in order to improve their home heating and cooling (HVAC) system.
Propane and Natural Gases - Compared to traditional form of fuel like oil, propane and natural gases are relatively cleaner. The heat generated from this fuel source is odorless and it has energy content, which is comparatively lower than oil. Natural gas is more efficient compared to propane in this respect of cost. A natural gas heating system may cost you something around $3000-7000 whereas; if you install propane based system it will cost you further more. Besides, natural gases can be used to operate appliances, water heaters and fire places. Natural gases are also available very easily compared to propane.
Geothermal energy -This energy alternative has also become very popular in many households and businesses. Geothermal heat pumps are used in order to create heat. This heat is created based upon the temperatures existing 3-5 feet below the earth’s surface. The initial expenses are staggering in case of this alternative heating solution, but in the space of 5 years you will be able to reduce your heating bills by almost 50%.
Wood stoves - Wood stove is also an option which is considered worthwhile. It is very easy to operate one and also at the same time very efficient. Wood burning stoves have gone through this improvement in the last 10 years. Compared to the oil, wood stoves are considered to be more economical therefore becoming affordable to most consumers. Wood stoves are considered even a better option compared to natural gas as it only costs something around $1000.
Pellet burning stoves - Pellet burning stoves are considered the cleanest burning heating appliance, according to the EPA. These stoves are even exempt of being tested for smoke emission levels. This alternative heating solution can cost someone between $2000-3000.
Solar heating systems - Solar heating system is considered the most environmentally friendly source of household heating. It is at the same time very economical compared to other energy alternatives. The solar heating system is also renewable which makes it more energy efficient compared to other options. Like the geothermal energy the solar heating system is also very expensive in the initial stages, but it is very cost efficient in the long run.
Other than the alternative fuel options which require a relatively higher initial investment you can also take measures which might not require too much expenditure. If your home is properly insulated and air tight then it will cause lower heat loss. This in turn will result in lower fuel requirements in order to maintain desirable indoor temperature.
For more information Click Here
