(NewsUSA)
–
Winter 2022 promises the perfect storm for soaring home heating bills. The
convergence of surging energy prices, plummeting temperatures and escalating
demand means optimal energy-efficiency is more challenging and critical than ever.
Rising global energy prices hit home with forecasts indicating households could
see their bills increase up to 54%, according to The United States Energy
Information Administration. Further, forecasters including the National Oceanic
Atmospheric Administration and the Farmer’s Almanac predict a
colder-than-normal season. Rounding out this frosty trifecta, the COVID-19
pandemic has led to the rise of remote work which is set to accelerate and
become a more permanent fixture as of 2022, industry observers say. The good
news is that families can prevent a utility-bill blitz by following a few
simple tips. With home heating and cooling accounting for nearly half of home
energy use, small steps can go a long way.
Ease Into
Electric: According to
Columbia University’s Earth Institute, electric systems are a
solution to decarbonizes home climate
control. Among the most energy-efficient heating and cooling products,
electricity-powered ductless mini-split systems, offered by companies including
Fujitsu General America, can save as much as 25 percent on your energy bill.
Plus, they are effective with temperatures as low as -15 degrees Fahrenheit.
Mini-splits use thin copper tubing to pump refrigerant from an outdoor
compressor directly into an indoor air-handling unit, where the air is quietly
distributed to the interior space.
Get
"Smart" About Climate Control: When it comes to smart home
temperature control, there are Smart HVAC Systems and Smart Thermostats.
Smart HVAC systems have built-in Internet capability and can be controlled
directly without additional equipment. Smart Home Thermostats create
"smart" systems by enabling remote temperature control via a mobile
or Internet-connected device or voice-operated home automation system.
Voice Your
Preference: Take control of your comfort. Most HVAC manufacturers offer
apps that enable systems to be controlled from anywhere using a mobile device.
Voice-control capability uses digital assistants, such as Amazon Alexa or
Google Home, to verbally dictate home temperatures. Easily controlling the
temperature more closely allows homeowners to be more comfortable and improve
energy savings.
Find Your
Efficient Comfort Zone: Many of us live in homes designed for bigger
families, but have yet to downsize. If you find yourself using a fraction of
your home on a regular basis, consider upgrading to a zoned ducted, or
ductless, system. That will allow you to save energy heating and cooling spaces
where you and your family don’t spend a lot of time. This will multiply savings
as you’re not only needing less cooling, but you also gain from a more
efficient system in the spaces you do still use.
Try Low-tech
Fixes: Simple changes can have a big impact. Take advantage
of the sun’s energy to heat your home by opening your south-facing curtains
at sunrise to make best use of "passive solar gain." Force down warm
air. Denser, cooler air stays closer to the ground, and warmer air rises. So,
force it downwards with a low-speed fan. Insulate and fill the gaps. Warmed air
leaking out around poorly sealed window frames, power sockets, recessed light
fittings, and other gaps is a big source of heat loss in homes. Thick curtains
help to insulate glass at windows.
If your utility
bill is spiking as temperatures dip, a ductless heating and cooling system
is definitely a worthwhile investment. Many Fujitsu systems with the Energy
Star rating are more than twice as efficient as the minimum standard set by the
government.
Source : Copywrightfreecontent.com
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