Not So Cool: Heating and Cooling Takes Up Half of Your Energy Bill

According to the US Energy Information Administration, space heating and cooling accounts for nearly half of the energy use in your home. http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/energyexplained/index.cfm?page=us_energy_homes (see also “How We Use Energy” earlier in Sustainable C). The bad news is that your heating and cooling is probably fueled (in part or entirely) by gas, oil, propane or electricity, all of which are energy sources that emit greenhouse gases and contribute to global warming. The good news? You can make the most significant changes to your home energy bill—and your greenhouse gas emissions—by changing the way you heat and cool your home.

Before you run out and buy solar panels and double paned windows, consider starting with a simple energy audit. (If you rent, ask the homeowner or apartment building manager to allow you to deduct the cost of the audit from your rent payment.) The energy audit will help you pinpoint where you have leaks. The results can be surprising…and extremely helpful. For example, your audit may indicate that you need more insulation in your attic precisely when you thought you needed to re-insulate all the walls.

For those of us on a tighter budget, a few cheap and easy solutions will follow. For example, sealing leaky windows with plastic can shave off a significant bit of your bill. (Again, leaky windows are most easily identified with an energy audit.) You might also consider turning down the heat in the house and using a space heater to heat the room where you are spending most of your time. I use a space heater by my desk, so even if the rest of the house is chilly, it’s cozy in my study area.

For those with a more ample budget, look into a programmable thermostat (if you do not already have one). Programmable thermostats can take up to 10% off heating and cooling bills, according to the US Department of Energy. http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/space_heating_cooling/index.cfm/mytopic=12720. For more ideas on where to save money (and reduce emissions), look into some of the recommendations on the websites listed below.

As you save energy, money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, you might even be eligible for tax credits in your state. To learn more, check out the Alliance to Save Energy at http://ase.org/section/_audience/consumers/taxcredits.

Other useful websites for improving your home’s heating and cooling performance:

US Department of Energy (selecting and replacing heating and cooling systems) - http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/space_heating_cooling/index.cfm/mytopic=12310
Energy Star (heating and cooling systems) - http://www.energystar.gov/
US Green Building Council (overall building shell efficiency) – www.usgbc.org
American Architectural Manufacturers Association (window efficiency) – http://www.aamanet.org/
The Windows and Doors Manufacturers Association (window and door efficiency) – http://www.wdma.com