Heating is one of the most essential and costly aspects of home comfort in the United States. According to the Department of Energy, heating accounts for about 29% of the average household's utility bill, making it the largest energy expense for most homes. Therefore, it is important to choose a heating system that is efficient, reliable and suitable for the climate and the house.
There are different types of heating systems available in the US market, such as furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, radiant floor heating and electric baseboard heaters. Each system has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on factors such as fuel type, installation cost, maintenance cost, operating cost, environmental impact and performance. Some systems use fossil fuels such as natural gas, oil or propane, while others use electricity or renewable energy sources such as solar or geothermal power.
The choice of a heating system also depends on the region and the weather conditions. The US has a diverse climate, ranging from cold and snowy winters in the Northeast and Midwest to mild and humid winters in the South and Southwest. The heating needs and preferences of homeowners vary accordingly. For example, furnaces are more common in colder regions, while heat pumps are more popular in warmer regions. Some homeowners may also opt for hybrid systems that combine different types of heating technologies to optimize efficiency and comfort.
However, no matter what type of heating system one has, it is essential to maintain it properly and upgrade it when necessary. A well-maintained and upgraded heating system can save money and energy, increase comfort and safety, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Department of Energy recommends regular cleaning and tune-up of the heating system, as well as replacing old or inefficient equipment with newer models that meet the Energy Star standards.
© Original Author: Straga - link to - www.dreamstime.com
Original Image: ID 7666419
In addition to maintaining and upgrading the heating system, homeowners can also take other measures to reduce their heating costs and improve their comfort. Some of these measures include:
- Insulating and sealing the house to prevent heat loss and air leaks
- Adjusting the thermostat to lower the temperature when away or asleep
- Using programmable or smart thermostats to optimize the heating schedule
- Installing ceiling fans to circulate warm air
- Using curtains, blinds or shades to control solar heat gain
- Wearing warm clothing and using blankets or electric heaters to stay cozy
However, despite these efforts, many US consumers may face significantly higher heating costs in the winter of 2022/23 due to a colder-than-average winter and high energy prices. According to the Energy Information Administration, households that heat with oil or gas will experience a cost increase of 27% and 28%, respectively, compared to 2021/22. This may pose a financial burden for many low-income or vulnerable households that struggle to afford their heating bills..
Fortunately, there are some programs and resources that can help these households with their heating expenses. One of them is HEAT USA, a nationwide network of heating oil service providers that offers discounts, service contracts, annual cleaning and tune-up, emergency service and member assistance to its members. Another one is the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a federal program that provides grants to states to help low-income households pay for their heating and cooling costs.
In conclusion, heating is a vital but expensive part of home comfort in the US. Choosing a suitable heating system, maintaining it properly and upgrading it when needed can help homeowners save money and energy, increase comfort and safety, and reduce environmental impact. However, due to external factors such as weather and energy prices, some homeowners may face higher heating costs than usual. In that case, they can seek help from programs and resources that offer financial assistance or discounts on their heating bills.
Although this company information portal is still in development and programming, companies can already present themselves on their own page.
Simply fill out the form under "Add Company".
We are constantly striving to expand the content with additional useful information and to provide new functionality. With a special interest or your own ideas to improve this portal just send us a message via “Contact”.
If you even want to write articles for this site or you want to publish your own articles specifically on the topics in this site, just send us a message via “Contact”. You are very welcome here.