Are Your Heating Costs Too High? How You Can Save on Energy Bills...

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Each and every year New Jersey homeowners shudder at the thought of high utility bills that will inevitably find their way into mailboxes across the state. In 2001 The New York Times wrote an article about the drastic increase in energy costs. Nothing has changed. Whether it's discussed in social media, written up by reporters, or spoken about at the dinner table, the sad truth is that heating costs increase exponentially each year. Bornstein Sons is proud to have this article published by EcoContractor Daily!

Here's an article we wrote last year that we'd love to revisit about the inefficiency of your heating system. With a few small adjustments, you can save on you heating costs.

Controlling the weather in New Jersey is something we just can't do. But, there are ways to control your utility costs and keep your home warmer and certainly more energy efficient. Here are some helpful hints we often share with our customers.

Insulation:

• Check your attic space. If there is no insulation, install some. If it's in a deteriorated condition, it may be time to have it replaced. Insulating your attic is key in keeping the warmth you are paying for in your home.
• Is the insulation adequate in outside walls of your home? If you're planning on any signficant remodeling it may be wise to verify that.

Doors and Windows:

• Gaps in the wood trim and cracks between the wood and the glass should be caulked properly.
• Use weather stripping to stop drafts on window and door frames.
• If you have older windows and doors you may also have storm windows and doors. Be sure they're being used. If you don't have storm windows create a plastic shield to be used temporarily during frigid weather. Be sure to watch for condensation as to not ruin the finish on your painting and/or the wood trim.
• Now may be the time to consider replacing the olders windows in your home with more efficient models. Federal Tax Credits may apply.

Heating System:

• Be sure you replace the disposable filters in your furnace monthly. If you have filters that are permanant, clean them regularly as well. Restricted filters will reduce the air flow from ducted systems.
• Be sure your heating equipment is serviced regularly by a professional. Efficiency can be compromised if your system is not running at peak performance.
• Consider a digital programmable thermostat to adjust your temperature when the house is not occupied and late at night.

Here are some other useful tips:

1. Open the drapes or blinds on the sunny side of your home on a cold day. Did you ever notice how your family pet always finds the sunniest spot in the winter months?
2. Don't overheat your home. Maintain a steady, comfortable temperature during the daytime, usually 68-70 degrees.
3. Set your thermostat to 60 degrees during sleeping hours. Consider a programmable thermostat to automate the process. You can save approximately 2% on your energy costs. It all adds up!
4. Caulk and weatherstrip your doors and windows - don't let the warmth you're paying for escape through cracks and crevices.
5. Insulate yourself by dressing properly - the 'layered' look is not only fashionable, it can save you money.
6. Don't block your vents or returns with furniture. Air flow can be reduced dramatically, which puts a drain on your system.
7. Have your Heating Professional inspect your system annually. Maintaining your equipment improves its reliability, efficiency and life span.
8. Change your filters monthly if you have a ducted system. Clogged filters reduce air flow, which means less heat...and the extra drain can cause problems to your system.
9. If you have a Forced Air System and find you are getting cold air flow, your fan delay may need to be adjusted
10. If you have a Hot Water Baseboard System be sure the fins are clear of debris and dust.
11. Consider upgrading your older money-wasting system with a more efficient Energy Star ® rated system
12. You may be eligible for Federal Incentives and Rebates if your system is older and inefficient. Older systems have efficiency levels in the 55%-65% range, while today's most efficient systems reach 85% to 95%. The combination of the incentive and the monthly savings from the new system may be well worth the expense, and your savings add up year after year.

Need Service for your New Jersey Heating System? Contact Us Today!

Stay Warm!

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