Keeping Propane Costs Low (Albuquerque: house, water heater, purchasing)

[nmguy]

I am determined to cut the cost of heating my propane-fueled, 3,100 sf house this year and am open to suggestions.

Steps that I have already taken include lowering the temps on the thermostats and turning the thermostats off just before the sun rises.

I'm also considering purchasing thermostats with built-in timers.

Can anyone offer other ideas?

[GregW]

Automatic set back (timer) thermostats are the first step. Then get a whole house energy audit to find any air leaks and uninsulated spots. If you don't want to pay for the audit just look around for leaking doors, windows and vents. Put insulating curtains over the windows on the north and west sides and keep them closed at night and most of the winter days. Curtains on south and east windows can be adjusted to let sunlight in when available and closed to keep the heat in when the sun is off the windows. Turn down the thermostat on the water heater to 120 deg or so. You don’t need really hot water to shower or wash cloths. The dishwasher heats the wash water to 160 plus anyway.

Run the dishwasher in the early morning to vent heat and moisture into the house on winter mornings. Bake in the early morning or late afternoon to add heat when people are around to appreciate it. Dry smaller cloths on racks to add moisture in the winter or in Albuquerque any time of year. Higher humidity cuts evaporation from the skin and makes the same temperature seem warmer. Wear wool slippers in the evening to keep feet warm. If your feet are warm the rest can tolerate lower temperature.

These are of the top of my head. There are several more thing you can do to reduce your heating load.


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[rybert]

Great post GregW!

(might I add that you could always lop-off 1500 sq.ft. of your house )