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Reduce residential heating energy useAlmost a quarter of all US energy consumed is used in homes and two thirds of this is used for heating: 47% for space heating and 17% for water heating, reduce residential energy use. The easiest and fastest way to reduce residential energy use and cost, especially for those who live in cooler areas, is to focus on reducing space heating energy use. It is relatively easy to save $100's every year. The most effective ways to reduce residential heating energy use are to:
Click for a larger image Daily energy costs were reduced from $17.55 to $6.60 (62%), natural gas space heating costs were reduced from $15 to $3.0 (80%). Electric costs only increased from $1.55 to $2.60 as these were offset by the reduced use of the electrically powered furnace blower. Notes on the chart The average daily outside temperature over the period of the test was 28°F. The home uses a natural gas powered furnace having a 600w blower. Natural gas and electric meter readings were taken daily. Hot water is heated by natural gas, cooking used electricity. All electrical items were switched off when not in use i.e. not left on standby. The cost of running two local radiant electric heaters is less than might be expected due to savings from reduced use of the furnace electric blower at lower room temperatures. Insulate your home and stop air leaks
Use free solar energy Use attic heat harvesting if you can From spring 2012 a new and inexpensive and extremely efficient solar energy based 'supplementary' attic heat harvester system will be available for homes having sun facing, sloping roofs. Few conventional heating systems achieve an efficiency of 1 (100%) an Attic Heat Harvester System can easily achieve an efficiency of more than 20 (2,000%)! Residential Heating Energy Source Options Most US homes use furnaces for heating that are fuelled by either natural gas, heating oil, or propane. Electricity is
usually used to control the heating system and to distribute the hot air.
Click for a larger image When considering which energy source to use be aware of their relative costs and characteristics. Using local electric radiant heat can often be the lowest cost energy option. In the US the actual and relative costs per kWhr of heat from different residential energy sources varies considerably from State to State so compare the costs were you live. By making informed choices relating to heating sources cost efficiencies you can dramatically reduce your costs. Reduce room temperatures, use local electric heat, fit digital programmable thermostats A large reduction in residential heating energy use can be achieved by reducing room temperatures. It has been estimated that reducing room temperatures by 1°F reduces space heating energy use by 2%, reducing temperatures by 8°F saves 15%! Digital programmable thermostats can greatly reduce home heating energy use by automatically turning the heating system off when heat is not required. To compensate for lower room temperatures use local electric radiant heat but only in occupied areas, wear appropriate clothing,
and add extra layers. When seated use a cozy blanket over your knees. At night use hot water bottles or an electric blanket. 
Click for a larger image Zoned heating system Zoned heating systems permit heating to be independently controlled in separate areas of your home. Zoned heating systems have two or more programmable thermostats that are connected to the heating system. The advantages of zone heating include: dramatically reduced running costs - especially if you have a large home, reduced energy use, improved comfort levels, more rapid room heating, and extended heating system life. Zoned heating systems can be manually or automatically operated, manual systems can require a lot of attention to operate at their most efficient levels as heating registers will need to be adjusted a number of times each day. 
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