Heating your home with electricity? Electric heat is usually the most costly way to heat your home. If you are thinking about purchasing a new heating system, look for ENERGY STAR^® qualified equipment. These are the most energy efficient models on the market. Please call us to find out more ways to make your home heating system more efficient and affordable.

Replace furnace filters when they are dirty. Spending a little on a new filter will go a long way toward maintaining the efficiency of your furnace. And, have your furnace serviced periodically. Typically gas systems and heat pumps need a checkup every two years, and oil-fired systems need annual maintenance.

Keep radiators and baseboards free and clear. These are often in or near the floor, and can easily end up behind a dresser or bed, or even hidden under a rug or pile of clothes. Heat needs to circulate to reach other areas of the house, especially with a forced air system.

Close dampers when you're not using the fireplace.

Lower the thermostat when you are not home, whether you are away for the day or on vacation. Also, turn down the thermostat at night when going to sleep. It costs less to reheat your home than to keep it warm constantly. Make it easier: get a programmable thermostat to adjust the temperature for you. For each degree you turn the thermostat down in the winter (around the clock) you save about 2% on your bill.

On sunny days, take advantage of the free heat. Open the blinds, shades, and curtains to keep your home warmer.

Too hot? DON'T open your windows; turn down the thermostat instead. If you open the window, you will lose the heat that you already paid for. In addition, the heating system will pump out even more heat until the window is closed or the thermostat is turned down.

Get a better understanding of your home's energy use to decide what energy efficiency options would be best for you. An expert in home energy efficiency can evaluate your home and show you specific ways to save energy and reduce your monthly bills. Efficiency Vermont provides a list of individuals and firms that perform these services. Efficiency Vermont also provides a do-it-yourself computer program on CD to evaluate your own home.

Seal up drafts. Sealing up windows and doors is a relatively inexpensive and easy task that can be done by the do-it-yourselfer. Windows and doors can be sealed with caulk and weather stripping for adequate protection against the elements. If you feel a draft, that's a sign that additional sealing is needed. Inspect the caulk and weather stripping around doors and windows and replace anything that is cracked or damaged. If your home is very leaky, consider using a professional air-sealing contractor. There are multiple firms in Vermont who can test and measure the air leakage in your home, find hidden leaks, and do the necessary work. Efficiency Vermont provides a list of individuals and firms that perform these services.

Seal leaks in air ducts. As heating systems age, leaks can develop in the ducts. Many duct systems are leaky even when newly installed. When these leaks are in unheated areas of your home (attics, basements, garages, etc.), they can contribute tremendously to your energy bill. Examine duct work that is easily accessible and replace deteriorated duct tape where necessary. Feel for air leaking at joints and seal these areas as well. Sealing is best done with long-lasting mastic sealant or tapes designed for this kind of application, but simple duct tape can do the job - it just won't last as long.