Lower Heating Costs – 20 Less Common Ways – Part 1

Posted on by Ken Lawber

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HomeProPlumber 

Home Pro Plumber provides full service plumbing maintenance, repairs and replacements for every plumbing component in your home.  Al’s sells and installs Rheem Professional Series gas & electric water heaters, and tankless water heaters.  We are near near your home in Wylie, TX; Murphy, TX and Rowlette, TX.  We service all homes in southern Collin County TX and Denton County, TX with no travel charges.

Call Home Pro Plumber today to discuss any concerns or problems you have with your Plumbing.  We will arrange an appointment at your convenience and offer 24/7 Emergency Service.

NOTE: If You Need Repairs Or Replacement Of Your HVAC System, Please Call (972) 362-1645

 two central air conditioner outdoor units

Image Source: ShutterStock

Many homes in DFW have an electric furnace and natural gas is not connected to the house.   If you have electric heat, you can reduce heating bills by up to 40% by replacing your electric furnace with a Heat Pump HVAC System.    A heat pump is a central a/c that runs in reverse to make heat.   In cooling mode, a heat pump works just like an air conditioner.  It removes heat from indoor air and moves it outdoors.    In heating mode, the  heat pump extracts heat from outdoor air and moves that heat into the house.   Moving heat is less expensive that creating heat with an electric furnace.

25 Less Common Ways To Lower Heating Costs

Heating-Costs Comparison — A 2,000 Square Foot DFW Home With 4 Occupants

Heating Costs In DFW:

  • 80% GAS Furnace: 60.2 MCF of Natural Gas X $9.71 per MCF:           $585.00 Annual Heating Cost 
  • 97%  GAS Furnace:  51.2 MCF X $9.71 per MCF:                                      $497.00 Annual Heating Cost
  • Standard Efficiency Heat Pump 7,450 kWh X 0.1098 per kWh:    $810.00 Annual Heating Cost (around 35% less expensive than electric furnace)
  • Electric Furnace: 11,775 kWh X 0.1098 per kWh:                              $1,295.00 Annual Heating Cost 

** Source: https://www.eia.gov/consumption/residential/reports/2009/state_briefs/pdf/tx.pdf

*** Source: https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/Services/Pages/natural-gas-electricity-cost-comparison.aspx?sa=mn&au=bus

 

This Article Provides Ways To Lower Heating (and Cooling) Costs

Without Replacing HVAC System

This Article Is About Modest Costs Energy -Saving Home Upgrades.  It describes ways to reduce heating costs with:

  • Low to modestly priced energy-saving products
  • Lifestyle Changes that cost nothing

Ways To Notably Lower Heating Costs With Little Or Modest Cost

1. Compare your electricity retailers price per kWh to other providers. 

Log into PowerToChoose.org

To see electric kWh rates from many electricity retailers.  Plans can be ranked (for cost per kWh).

  • There are 3 rates per kWh:  500 kWh  /  1,000 kWh  /  2,000 kWh
  • Check your previous bills to determine your average kWh per monthly usage.  This will guide you in determining which rate is most important to you.
  • Plans are for 3, 6 or 12 months.  For a fair comparison, filter “Contract Length” so all results are for the same period of time.
  • Check the Monthly Base Charge. **  For low electricity use consumers, the base fee, added to a great kWh charge may not be a value.
  • ** Some plans have a minimum charge which covers a specified number of kWH.  If you use less, you still pay the minimum charge.

Comparing Prices Made Simple

NOTE: When Comparing Prices, All You Need To Compare Both The ENERGY CHARGE For Each Retailer + The Base Charge. 

  • All of DFW is serviced by ONCOR, our electricity Transmission & Distribution provider. 
  • So, The Transmission & Distribution Charge will be nearly identical.
  • What differs is the Energy Charge rate for each Retailer.
  • Compare Rates For Identical Plans: 1. Contract Length &  2. The Number Of kWh You Typically Use Per Month (your past bills will tell you).

 

At the time this article was written, research on the website showed the lowest priced rate was about 2/3 of the highest priced rate.

Results:

  •  LOWEST Rate =  8.7 cents per kWh (based on 2000 kWh per month).

Plan Information (as stated by the provider):

  • 12 Month Contract
  • Energy Charge =               8.7 cents per kWh

In addition to the Energy Charge, these charges will be added to your monthly bill:

  • Electricity Transmission and Distribution (TDU) Charge  = $0.0368 per kWh
  • Base Charge = $3.49 per month
  • Energy Charge For 2,000 kWh = $ 174.00 + $3.49 (base charge) = $177.49

— TO —

  • HIGHEST Rate = 12.9 cents per KWH (based on 2000 kWh per month).

Plan Information (as stated by the provider):

  • 12 Month Contract
  • Energy Charge =               12.9 cents per kWh
  • Energy Charge For 2,000 kWh = $258.00 + $9.95 (base charge) = $267.95.   
  • This retailer is +$90.46 more expensive for the same amount of electricity usage. 

In addition to the Energy Charge, these charges will be added to your monthly bill:

  • Electricity Transmission and Distribution (TDU) Charge = $0.03827 per kWh
  • Base Charge = $9.95 per month

Based on how much electricity you use, choosing a lowest cost plan can save you a lot of money.  All electricity is distributed by the same provider (ONCOR).  All the differs is the Electricity Retailer’s per kWh charge & base charge.

2. Seal Air Leaks 

The single most effective measure in reducing heating and cooling costs is to weatherize your home.  Sealing air leaks can reduce energy costs by up to 30%.   The older the home is, the more air it leaks.

Air leaks are unsealed openings through a building’s “envelope” (its walls, foundation, and roof).  These air leaks are typically responsible for a large portion of a home’s energy use and can also create indoor air quality problems.

According to the U.S. Dept. Of Energy (DOE) — Air-Leaks Account For Up To 30% Of Total Cooling & Heating Loss *1

Cold air will always move toward warm air because cold air is more dense.  Air leaks work in reverse based on the season:

  • You lose cooled air in summer as cooler indoor air moves outside through air leaks closer to the floor.
  • You lose heated air during winter as heated air rises and exits the home through air leaks close to or in the ceiling.  Then cold air replaces the escaping warm air at leaks near the floor.
  • The older the home is, the more air it leaks.   All the air leaks in a typical 1970’s built DFW combined would be the equivalent to having one window open all the time. *2

*1 Source: U.S. Department Of Energy (DOE)

*2 Source: https://www.nrdc.org

 

DIY efforts to close up air leaks can have a dramatic impact on both heating & cooling costs, plus improve the comfort-level inside the home.  We have gone in to some detail to help you identify where the leaks are located (often times they are somewhat hidden) and how much heat & a/c is lost by categories of air leaks.

The Following Areas Are Where Homes Leak Air:

  • 31% Floors, Walls & Ceilings
  • 15% Ductwork (heat & a/c going into your attic)
  • 14% Fireplace (if damper is left open when fireplace not being used)
  • 13% Plumbing Penetrations
  • 11% Doors
  • 10% Windows
  •   4% Bath & Kitchen Venting
  •   2% Outlets & Switches

Source: U.S. DOE

3. Seal Leaks In The Ceilings

You might think “How can a ceiling leak air?”  The leaks are at the openings in the ceiling.   Most older homes have gaps around electrical boxes.  Because these leaks are in the ceiling (heat rises), they present a great opportunity to lower heating costs.

To seal the gaps, use caulk or spray-foam (for gaps too large for caulk).

  • Most DFW homes have HVAC Vents in the ceiling.  Older homes will have gaps around the vents — and not visible due to the vent cover.

Click Here To See Gaps Around Ceiling HVAC Vent: Gaps Around Ceiling Vent

Click Here To See An Example: Gap Around Ceiling Light Box

 

4. REPLACE OLD RECESSED LIGHTS

  • One Of The Worst Offenders On Heating Costs Are Old, Vented Recessed Lights.
  • Older fixtures have vent holes to allow heat from the light bulb to escape.  They are simply open holes to the attic.
  • Most existing can lights have an open gap around them.

Click Here To See An Older Recessed Can Light With Vent Openings (to the attic): Old Recessed Light With Vent Holes

Click Here To See A Common Installation Of A Can Light: Recessed Can Light With Gap In The Ceiling Around It

Today’s new can light fixtures don’t have vent holes.

 

These Are An Easy DIY Retrofit LED Update To Existing Can Lights.  No Wiring Is Required.

 

  • The new fixture simply screws into the socket of the existing fixture.  No wiring is required.
  • These new fixtures come with an LED bulb available in cool or warm white light.  The fixture shown below produces the equivalent of 100 watts of light — using 12 watts.
  • LED bulbs produce very little heat (that your a/c must remove).   90% of the electricity used by LED produces light.    90% of the electricity used by incandescent lights produces heat.
  • Once sealed to the ceiling, these fixtures won’t allow heat to rise into the attic in winter, or push heat (from attic) into the living space during summer.
  • Note: Because most DFW homes have “Popcorn” Textured Ceilings, you will need to add caulk to seal the new fixture to the ceiling.  Put the caulk around the hole in the ceiling – not- at the edge of the new fixture’s lip.***  Also ensure the new fixture will cover the caulk.
  • Note: *** Caulking as instructed ensures that if the fixture ever must be removed, the damage to the popcorn texture will be covered by the lip of the fixture when reinstalled.

  Click On Photo To: View Product, See Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com

 

5. Seal Leaks In The Walls

photo of electrical outlet

Image Source: ShutterStock

SHOWN: Outlet with large gap between outlet & face plate

6. OUTLETS & SWITCHES

Just like with the ceilings, the primary locations where walls leak air are at openings.  Note: Sealing air leaks is not limited to outside walls, air gets into the house from interior walls too.

Air Leaks Into The Home:

  • around the outlet / switch electrical box
  • around the actual outlet or switch (2%).  There are Foam Gaskets To Seal That Gap.

Click Here To See A Common Installation Of An Outlet Box In Older Homes:  Gap Around Outlet Box In Wall.

Click Here To See A Common Installation Of An Light Switch Box In Older Homes:  Gap Around Light Switch Box

 

There are two steps to sealing air leaks at light switches and outlet.

Click On Photo To: View Product, See Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com

Shown: Gaskets Are Available For Both Outlets & Switches

 

7. SEAL WHERE PLUMBING COMES THROUGH THE WALLS

photo of water and sewer pipes under kitchen sink

Image Source: CanStockPhoto

SHOWN: A Noticeable Gap Exists Around The Black Pipe Where It Enters Into The Wall.

In older homes, it’s common for large gaps to exist where plumbing comes through walls.  These gaps are low in the walls, so cold air enters through the gaps in winter and cold air exits through these gapsduring summer.

Click  To See Huge Gaps Around Plumbing Coming Through The Walls: Gaps Around Plumbing Coming Through Wall

 

home pro plumber logo

HomeProPlumber 

Home Pro Plumber provides full service plumbing maintenance, repairs and replacements for every plumbing component in your home.  Al’s sells and installs Rheem Professional Series gas & electric water heaters, and tankless water heaters.  We are near near your home in Plano, TX; Allen, TX and Frisco, TX.  We service all homes in southern Collin County TX and Denton County, TX with no travel charges.

Call Home Pro Plumber today to discuss any concerns or problems you have with your Plumbing.  We will arrange an appointment at your convenience and offer 24/7 Emergency Service.

 

NOTE: If You Need Repairs Or Replacement Of Your HVAC System, Please Call (972) 362-1645