Feature Articles
Time to beat higher heating bills is now say MU Extension housing specialists
Robert Thomas, Information Specialist, Cooperative Media Group, University of Missouri
Homeowners can lessen the blow of predicted record-high heating bills this winter by taking a few basic steps now.
The recent surge in oil and natural gas prices could translate into about a 10 percent increase for the average U.S. household from that of the past year, according to the National Energy Assistance Directors’ Association.
The average household will pay $992 in heating costs this winter, $94 more than in the past year. Customers using heating oil will see about a 28 percent jump from a year ago for a record average cost of more than $1,800.
Reduced air infiltration and adequate attic space insulation lessen fuel bills, said Michael Goldschmidt, a University of Missouri Extension environmental design specialist.
“Depending on the size of your house, for a couple hundred dollars you can probably save 10 to 15 percent on your winter heating bill,” he said.
Reducing infiltration prevents warm, indoor air from escaping through cracks in walls and around windows, doors or pipes. Weather strip doors and use caulking around pipes. A few tubes of caulking, which may cost $20 to $30, could save you several hundred dollars, he said.
Lifestyle can play a role in reducing heating bills, said Barbara Buffaloe, MU Extension housing specialist.
Open south-facing curtains during sunny days to benefit from free solar heat gain, she said.
Inexpensive draft dodgers placed at the bottom of doors will reduce warm air leaking out, she said.
Window insulation kits that work as interior storm windows also are important for older windows that allow warm air out through gaps.
Set the thermostat a degree or two lower. For each degree the thermostat is lowered, there is an estimated 3-percent savings in heating fuel costs.
A thermostat setting of 65 to 68 degrees provides sufficient heat for normal daytime activity, although children and the elderly may require higher temperatures. Because less heat is needed when sleeping, a thermostat setting of 60 degrees is recommended for nighttime hours.
Turn down heat in unused rooms. During winter vacations or long periods away from home, reduce the thermostat setting to 50 degrees.
Have your furnace serviced by a reputable specialist before the heating season, which could reduce your fuel bill as much as 10 percent. If the furnace is fired by oil or gas, make sure the furnace and flue outlets are cleaned, filters are cleaned or changed and the motor is in working order. Check furnace filters every two months during the heating season.
Twelve inches of attic insulation is recommended in Missouri. “Warm air goes right up through the ceiling,” Goldschmidt said.
Exposed air ducts in the attic should be covered or wrapped with insulation to prevent heat loss. Warm air in these ducts coming from the furnace cools before entering the house, making the furnace work harder, he said.
For more information on saving energy in your home, go to http://extension.missouri.edu/explore/, or contact your local county MU Extension office.
Source: Michael Goldschmidt, 573-884-0905;
Barbara Buffaloe, 573-882-6289
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Last update: Thursday, October 04, 2007
