Heat Your Country Home without the High Bill
Energy prices are going up all over the country. Energy sources like electricity and natural gas have increased by double digits in the last few years. During the colder months, those heating bills can be crippling, especially for those living in the country. We’ve decided to explore some alternative ways to heat your home without the high energy costs.
Geothermal Energy
Geothermal heat can be an efficient way to heat your home. It uses constant, stable heat from the earth to heat your home. Due to the fact that the earth is warmer than the outside air, it takes a lot less energy to warm up a room. During the warmer months, geothermal energy can also easily cool your home using the same method at a fraction of the cost of air conditioning. The best thing about this form of energy? It is eco-friendly.
Solar Energy
Another eco-friendly and efficient way to heat your home is by using solar energy. After the initial investment of solar panels, the cost is free. In this method, solar radiation is used to heat the home. CNN Money estimates a 2,000 square foot home would need about four to six solar panels, which can get costly. However, once installed, the panels can provide up to 80 percent of the home’s heating needs.
Pellet Stove
Pellet stoves burn small pellets made from switchgrass or sawdust. They are more energy efficient than wood burning stoves and heat your home with less fuel. Larger homes may need two of these to keep warm, but the initial investment will only run you about $2,000. Buying the pellets will run you nearly $400 every winter. The U.S. Department of Energy says that pellet stoves are the cleanest solid-fuel burning appliance available.
If you’re not quite ready to make the investment into an alternative form of heating. There are small things you can do around the house right now to help keep heating costs at bay.
- Caulk your window frames to seal off air leaks.
- Keep the curtains open on sunny days. And closed on cloudy days.
- Put down rugs on hardwood or tile floors.
- Put a draftstopper underneath the door to keep out cold air.
- Reverse the direction of your ceiling fan.
- Close off any unused rooms.
When all else fails, bundle up!
United Country Real Estate is your destination for country homes and homes with acreage. If you’re ready for country living, contact one of our experts today at 800-999-1020.
Sources:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/ways-to-keep-home-warm-without-heat_us_564b6084e4b06037734af9d4
http://www.thegreenestdollar.com/2008/10/alternative-ways-to-heat-your-home/
