Ask Focus on Energy

The cost to heat a home varies from month to month.

The cost to heat a home varies too much from month to month to give you an accurate answer. The average home will use 880 therms of natural gas with a 90% efficient furnace over a typical heating season. An 80% oil furnace producing the same amount of heat is going to use 712 gallons for the period.

There are a few things you can do to save money on your heating bills. You could look at:

• More efficient heating equipment. But if you're already using an 80% to 85% unit the savings may not be that great.
• A different fuel source. Natural Gas and propane can be less expensive. The ENERGY STAR(R) website has a savings calculator you can use for natural gas, propane, or oil to get an idea of costs.
• Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® Program. Many existing homes in Wisconsin have problems related to moisture, condensation, drafty rooms, ice dams, mold, and high utility bills—which indicate the home may not have proper insulation, and/or is not at the level of safety, health, and comfort it could be. Work with a consultant partnering with the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program can help to identify the cause of those problems, and provide recommendations for getting them fixed. By completing a home evaluation you not only receive a more comfortable and energy efficient home, but you can receive Cash-Back Rewards for completing all or part of the work!
   

Published Wednesday, March 16, 2011