Thermostat Setback: Fact vs Fiction

As the weather starts to chill, and the temperature drops, our once manageable power/gas bills begin to rise. In an earlier post - I addressed a few simple and quick fixes to help stop drafts and the transfer of cold from the outside to the inside. Now is the time for the focus to shift to energy saving tips.

To begin with, we should all be practicing the art of the Thermostat Setback. This is process of "setting back" the thermostat during the times when we are not at home, or we are sleeping. For every "pro" opinion, there is a "con" opinion. I will attempt to tackle a few of the biggies here. (All the following information was borrowed from: http://www.mge.com/home/saving/thermostat.htm)

Fiction: It costs as much or more to heat a home back up after a setback.

Fact: The longer your house remains at the lower temperature, the more heat you save.

Fiction: The house will warm up faster the higher the thermostat is raised.

Fact: The thermostat isn't like the gas pedal on a car. It's either calling for heat or not, so setting the thermostat too high may cause you to overshoot the desired temperature.

Fiction: The kids will kick off the covers and get cold.

Fact: Children older than about two weeks can regulate their body temperature just like adults, so they don't need any different temperature than adults. If they kick off the covers, try dressing them in two sets of pajamas with feet or using a sleeping bag.

Also, take into account some of the energy-saving benefits of utilizing the thermostat setback.

• By setting back just 3 degrees Fahrenheit, you could save $74 per heating season. Bigger setbacks save even more.
• If we all set back our thermostats by 1 degree Fahrenheit this winter, we could save enough gas for 3,100 homes.

In closing, it is important to remember that even the smallest gesture can result in a large impact. To start off by saving a little energy here and there, you are helping to save natural resources and a little money. Start small, continue small, and suddenly you will realize that the savings - both environmentally and fiscally - really do add up.

Congratulations!

Congratulations Jesse Brown on completing the NAHB Green Verifier Training, and passing the NAHB Green Verifier test.

We are excited that Jesse Brown is the first NAHB Green Verifier in Bozeman, and proud to include him as part of our team. Way to go Jesse!

Howling Leaks

Brr... The weather is finally turning here in our beautiful valley. Snow is in the air, and those intrepid elk hunters will be out in full force this weekend. Along, with the change in the weather, there is a change in the jet stream - yes, the wind is howling.

With the howling wind, comes the inevitable chill in our homes and bones. This makes me think of a few ideas for warding off those chilly moments.

To begin with, take a few minutes to assess your home for drafts and other leaky reminders of how cold it is outside.

• Check outlets, switchplates, and cable jacks. If you can feel a brisk breeze, it is time to invest in some insulation. All the home improvement centers carry foam insulators for outlets, switchplates, and cable jacks. The insulators are very inexpensive, and it is pretty amazing how cold air comes through the those particular breaks in the wall insulation.


• Check windows and doors for leaks. You don't want to feel air moving through the cracks around your doors or windows. If you do, invest in some weather stripping and caulking. There is not much you can do about the cold that is conducted through the door. As for the cold that seaps through the windows, close your window coverings.


• Another area to check - the foundation vents. Have these been properly insulated for our freezing temperatures and howling winds? There is something to be said for allowing your crawl space to retain a little heat. It not only protects pipes from freezing, it also inhibits cold transfer through the floor. Another added bonus to insulating your foundations vents, it makes it a little more difficult for cold critters to get in for the winter. If your foundation vents are exposed, inexpensive styrofoam insulators are available at your local home improvement store. (I have found them at Kenyon Noble.) The styrofoam insulators install from the outside and are easy to install and remove. They are also easy to store - just stack them in the crawl space. (You can also tack up regular insulation from the inside of your crawl space.) Just remember to remove the insulation or insulators in the Spring. You definitely want your crawl space to breathe in the warmer months.

In closing, it is important to remember, that houses need to breathe. So while it might be tempting to completely close off your home to all invasive leaks, one must remember that air movement is essential to good indoor air quality. The main goal is to address the leaks that adversely affect the temperature inside your home.