Heating Tips for Homeowners
Posted by Suzanne Turner on Tue, Nov 24, 2009 @ 02:12 PM
1. Be cautious of old stoves and improper installation.
We don't mean this to sound like a blatant commercial to buy a new stove from us, but the fact remains that some homeowners are installing second-hand, less efficient uncertified stoves as a way to save money. But older, uncertified stoves can cause unhealthy indoor air pollution and can release 15 to 30 grams of smoke per hour, leading to creosote buildup that can cause chimney fires Compare these emissions to new EPA-certified stoves that produce only 2 to 5 grams per hour. And, old stove use, combined with improper installation near combustibles and without proper ventilation, may result in a home fire, rendering a home ineligible for insurance coverage.
2. Calculate your savings.
Those upgrading to an EPA-certified wood stove found wood use cut by a third. But the savings aren't all in the stoves, as today's fireplaces and inserts also offer higher efficiency ratings and cleaner burning technologies. HPBA developed a calculator that estimates cost-saving benefits of all hearth products.
3. Ask for cleaner and greener options.
Consumers have more options than ever in fuel and product choices. To help navigate the myriad of product and fuel choices, efficiency and cost, HPBA has developed an online resource, Consumer Guide: The Easy and Efficient Way to Heat Your Home.
4. Get in the zone.
Zone heating - using a fireplace, stove or insert to heat those rooms used most - allows the thermostat to be turned down on the central furnace, reducing fuel consumption and providing energy savings of up to 20-40 percent!
5. Find a heating expert.
Well, OK, now this is a blatant commercial! Visit Survival Products when considering the purchase of a new fireplace, stove, insert or log set. We have years of experience and can help you better understand the product differences, placement within a room and the best size that will help heat a home most cost-effectively and provide the installation by a technician certified by the National Fireplace Institute®.
Enjoy the savings!