The article begins, “Home heating costs are estimated to rise nearly 8 percent over last winter on average, according to a forecast from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, which assists states in securing federal funds to help low-income people pay their heating and cooling bills. The average heating bill for the season — October through March — is expected to rise to $976 from $907 last year, the association predicted.” The article lists options for homeowners to consider to manage energy costs and make your home more comfortable as temperatures drop, including quickly taking advantage of federal tax credits before they expire at year’s end, looking into state and utility incentives for home improvements, and shopping around for cheaper energy options, if available. Writer Ann Carns at the NYT reached out to RESNET Executive Director Steve Baden for some simple steps one can take to lower heating bills: • “If you have a forced-air heating system, clogged filters in your furnace can force it to work harder, using more energy, so replace them every few months.” • “To pinpoint where cold air is seeping into your house, consider a home energy audit. A technician will conduct a ‘blower door’ test to identify leaky areas. The cost is typically less than $200, Mr. Baden said, and some utilities cover the entire cost to encourage customers to conserve energy.” • “Taping and insulating duct systems properly can also prevent wasted heat. Mr. Baden recalled an audit that found a duct in the attic had become disconnected, so warm air wasn’t making it into the main house. The homeowner joked that he “was heating his Christmas decorations,” Mr. Baden said.” Read the full article online here.
