As the cost of fuel continues to rise, paying attention to the condition of one's heating system is becoming more important. Homeowners are looking to supplement traditional systems and increase efficiency, and there are many companies offering solutions. However, there is no one-size-fits-all way of reducing the cost of having a toasty home in the winter. Consumers who are looking into a new winter heating strategy should carefully weigh their options in order to find the right combination of technologies for their needs.



Improving Existing Heating Systems

Even astronomical fuel prices are little incentive to totally revamp a home's heating system. Most homeowners choose to improve or supplement existing structures in order to increase efficiency. Keeping up with regular maintenance issues, like changing filters and cleaning ducts, will help performance. The most cost effective option is to add insulation and seal problem areas. Systems that employ a thermostat are often thrown off-balance because of heat leakage. Properly sealing vents, doors, and windows and adding more insulation in the attic are simple weekend projects that can improve the performance of the heating system without much investment.

Others more expensive improvements can more drastically affect the heating bill. New windows can prevent further loss of heat in the winter and help stop cold air. Some homes can even be retrofitted for more environmentally friendly fuel options. Solar panels can help offset the energy used by the existing heating system. In addition to providing electricity, solar energy can be harnessed in order to provide passive heat. Homes that catch a significant amount of sunlight can be designed to route the heat through the house.

One of the most drastic solutions is to replace old heating system components. A typical furnace only has a life span of around 10 years. Opting to go ahead and install a high-efficiency model may seem expensive, but it can significantly lower annual fuel bills.

Adding Additional Heaters

Even the best heating system may not be suited to run all of the time. Many homeowners choose to use smaller appliances like stoves or space heaters to avoid heating their entire home. Others use these options instead of larger systems. These can be semi-permanent or completely portable and run off of a variety of fuels. Here are the most popular choices:

• Fireplaces are built into many homes for extra heat. Before electricity was popularized, the fireplace was the home's only source of heat. Grand estates had them in every room. Today, modern homes are most likely have one in the family room or other public space. They can be fitted to use gas or wood for fuel. Since fireplaces feature an open flame, they are more dangerous than other heating options. A clean chimney and proper ventilation are imperative to keep smoke and carbon monoxide from building up in the house.



• Stoves can be free standing or built into the home. Unlike a fireplace, they are designed to burn their fuel efficiently, and for this reason, are less likely to need a full chimney. They can also be designed as inserts to occupy the same place as a fireplace or free-standing unit that can be placed into just about any room. Popular options include gas, wood-burning, and pellet stoves. Pellet stoves are very popular because they use renewable and inexpensive fuel made of sawdust and provide near unmatchable efficiency.



• Space heaters are the most versatile option for heating a space. They come in all shapes and sizes. Small combustion heaters that use gas or liquid fuel are not portable because they need to sit against an exterior wall. However, they are easier to install than stoves or a fireplace, because they only require a small vent. Electric heaters are completely portable. They use electricity to heat coils, so they can be placed anywhere there is a power outlet. This makes them the most convenient and least expensive option. There are even electric models designed to provide heat to entire rooms. However, these electric appliances are not necessarily the most efficient way to heat a small area. This is dependent on the size of the area, the model, and the fuel type.

When developing a heating strategy for the winter, homeowners should carefully inspect their main heating system for problems. Some simple cleaning or added insulation may improve efficiently significantly. Supplemental devices should be chosen according to the amount of heat the home needs and the best fuel option. Remember that a more permanent solution may cost more, but can lead to more savings in the future. Finally, be careful to conserve energy by turning installing an automatic thermostat and responsibly managing fuel.