Energy-Saving Equipment Offers Savings, Comfort

According to Grist, a nonprofit environmental new source, the average American spent approximately $1,044 dollars on heating bills during the winter of 2005-06. This included all fuels, such as oil, natural gas, and electric. Those who relied on heating oil spent a whopping $1,577 on fuel costs that winter. In 2003, the average monthly cost of electricity was $81.42. The cost of heating the home and its water is pricey--and this cost is only rising as oil becomes more expensive. Smart households, however, can cut their fuel costs by about 15 percent by switching to high-efficiency heating equipment. Not only do these appliances heat the home efficiently, but they also require less fuel.

One relatively inexpensive way to cut fuel costs is to install fuel-saving controls. Many of these devices feature sophisticated sensors that regulate the indoor temperature according to the temperature outside. In other words, when it's warm and sunny outside, these controls will reduce fuel consumption inside. Two highly recommended models include the Honeywell AQ475a and the Tekmar 260. Their manufacturers guarantee fuel savings of at least 10 percent.

For even greater fuel savings, experts point to a model produced by Beckett named the HeatManager. The HeatManager can cut down on fuel costs by 10 to 20 percent. That adds up to at least $300 in savings for the average heating oil consumer. The HeatManager does not feature an outdoor reset control--instead, this product utilizes smart computing.

Replacements for Obsolete Water Heaters

Typical water heaters are hugely wasteful in terms of fuel and heat. In fact, they have an extremely low energy factor, about 56 percent, because they lose so much heat--energy that should be heating the water! An insulated indirect water heater, on the other hand, has a much smaller tank than an old-fashioned water heater, which means it takes less time to heat water for the home. Indirect water heaters are appropriate for homes with oil or gas heat.

Homes that rely on traditional water heaters can benefit by replacing them with instantaneous water heaters. For example, the Rinnai Continuum is up to 87 percent efficient. However, it doesn't skimp on hot water: according to the company's site, this water heater can produce enough hot water for two showers and a third use at the same time.

Heating the Home More Efficiently

Modern gas warm-air furnaces feature high efficiency (at least 90 percent) and can last 50 years or longer. Experts recommend pairing a warm-air furnace with a whole-house humidifier. This can produce lasting comfort and keep the home warm longer, because the humidifier will heat the water molecules in the air. One highly rated model is the Centurion. This is an inexpensive private-label model that is actually produced by York, one of the leading names in furnaces.

Oil- or gas-fired boilers offer consumers the best of both worlds: efficient heating for the home, and plentiful hot water. The key to choosing an efficient boiler is the size of its tank. A high-efficiency boiler will have a tank that holds just four to seven gallons of water, which is relatively quick to heat; old-fashioned models hold 12 to 50 gallons, which requires an immense amount of fuel to heat (and keep warm). Following the same line of thought, it is better to install a cold-start boiler than a model that is constantly keeping water at a high temperature.

All told, a high-efficiency boiler (rated at 84 percent efficiency or higher) that features an outdoor reset control and an indirect water heater can offer immense fuel savings when compared to a warm-air furnace and traditional water heater--up to 45 percent! Two brand names to look for in oil-fired boilers are QHT and Burnham. High-efficiency gas boilers like the Thermoflo GWS and the Dunkirk Q 90 are also worth checking out.

Source for Energy-Saving Equipment

In addition to saving on fuel and safeguarding the environment, energy-saving equipment can be relatively inexpensive to purchase. EnergySavingsUSA.net is one online source for information about high-efficiency products that reduce pollution and fuel consumption. This site offers unbiased reviews and many choices for the budget-minded consumer. In addition to heating equipment, this site also offers information about efficient air conditioning.