Heating Costs

[SaintWilliamIII]

The smartest thing to do to keep heating costs down is not to heat the outside, which is basically what you do when you have windows in your house. The R-value of the best window on the market today can't compare with the R-value of the typical 4 or 6 inch wall with insulation in it. At the very least, people should use some type of foam board, fit to the window opening, to slow heat loss. Me persoanlly, I would rather do without windows, than turn down the thermostat and freeze.

[HorizSvcs]

Thank you for providing these tips to keep heating bills down. These are inexpensive and easy-to-implement and will go a long way in keeping your house cozy this winter.

[4chrissy]

I want to add more insulation in my attic. The floor has a thin layer of blow in(no actual floor so to speak,I have planks laid out across the rafters).The peaked roof,between the studs has nothing. I can do this job,what type of insulation to use,and how much of thickness to use? I hear that it has to be "within the codes" and I see insulation has a different "r" rating. The room is non usefull(other than storing some boxed things and what not's),and will pry stay that way. ?

[AsktheBuilder]

You need to go to my AsktheBuilder website and read every column I have about Insulation. Type that word in my search engine.

[allenellisdewitt]

related to the programmable thermostat: Around here, at least, if you agree to sign up for the electric company's "you'll let us turn off your AC when we need power, and we'll pay you when we do" plan, they have an added bonus: The option to have the electrician who comes out to install the turn-off switch also install a FREE programmable thermostat! Call your power company to find out more information! ;)

[99cachorro]

all good ideas.. but even the secretary of energy recommended a wood stove to help survival rates both economically and physically.