Tips For Lowering Winter Energy Expenses And Easing The Cost Of Living
Whether the attic’s insulation layer is close to the depth mentioned above is easy to determine. If your house is over a year old, we speculate that your house is far from the insulation layer numbers mentioned above. There are still some considerations when installing attic insulation, and it’s not easy to determine if too much insulation has been added – you should pay attention to keeping the ventilation points of the eaves clear and avoid crawling around in areas that might still be filled with asbestos vermiculite insulation. Improper use of roof insulation materials can lead to problems such as condensation, mold, and ice dams on the roof. Therefore, if you’re unsure about the materials needed and which ones to avoid, we recommend that you have a professional builder add a significant amount of attic insulation materials for you.
In the construction of new houses, insulation materials are a crucial component of home energy efficiency, and the additional cost of insulation will be offset by lower heating costs and higher home energy efficiency ratings. Therefore, in high-performance residential construction projects and cost-effective home renovation guides, we systematically specify requirements higher than the minimum building code requirements.
Of course, the heating system itself also has a significant impact on heating costs. The cost of heating fuels like oil is expensive and is a major source of air pollution and fossil fuel consumption. In the long run, replacing oil heating systems can save you expenses. A regular online search in your area will reveal specialized grant programs to help with the removal and replacement of old oil heating systems and their leaking tanks. Additionally, keep in mind that “natural” fossil gas is gradually phasing out of North American homes; recently, California passed legislation to ban the use of natural gas in homes. Therefore, we do not recommend any form of natural gas heating and instead suggest using efficient heat pumps and zero-power backup heating systems for safety.
Home energy assessment or home energy audit
To make significant energy efficiency improvements and see results, you must first have a good understanding of your home’s performance and identify specific weak points in its energy usage. A blower door test can be used to assess a building’s airtightness. This test must be conducted by professionals using calibrated tools, and it helps identify air leakage points that cause significant heat loss. It can also find air leakage points that cause internal structure decay due to gap condensation – similar to window condensation, but less obvious, leading to internal damage.
Many new homes nowadays undergo blower door testing during construction to ensure the effectiveness of airtightness measures, but it can also be done in existing buildings. Another tool that has proven very effective is using infrared scans on a house to identify hidden issues, such as missing or collapsed cavity bat insulation, missing attic insulation, or external masonry infiltration.
Next, how to reduce hot water energy expenses?
Hot water consumption requires a significant amount of energy, but the good news is that we have the potential to save on hot water production costs. In Canada, hot water consumption averages about 16% of the average household energy consumption, while in the United States, hot water consumption accounts for around 20% of household energy usage. By reducing hot water consumption and improving hot water systems, we can significantly cut energy and electricity expenses.
To reduce daily hot water consumption, there are three practical tips to adopt as soon as possible:
Low-flow showerheads and faucets can make a substantial difference; it’s a low-cost, high-return investment. Apart from reducing the cost of heating water, these showerheads also save on drinking water, which is an important consideration.
Get into the habit of washing hands with cold water or setting the faucet to cold. Despite our habit of often turning on the faucet set to warm water, rarely does hot water actually reach our hands before we’re done washing. Depending on how far your bathroom is from the water heater, most ordinary homes’ layouts do not allow for this, and hot water pipes aren’t insulated, meaning hot water can only stay in the pipes, cooling down before the next faucet use. A wise option is to install a small on-demand tankless water heater near or in your bathroom, allowing for almost instant hot water and reduced energy waste.
Use cold water for laundry; modern laundry detergents typically work well in cold water, cleaning clothes effectively without the need for hot water. Consider this: about 80-90% of energy used by washing machines goes into heating water, and saving on this aspect of energy consumption requires no cost other than changing the washing machine’s settings. Regardless of whether you have an ENERGY STAR-rated washing machine, using low-temperature detergents enables you to wash clothes with cold water.
The choice of a water heater can impact electricity consumption. When it’s time to replace your water heater, there are options to lower electricity consumption: water heaters that meet ENERGY STAR® standards, solar water heaters, or heat pump water heaters.
Using a drain water heat recovery device can preheat the cold water entering your water heater with the heat from the wastewater. These devices are durable, require no maintenance, and can save up to 40% of hot water costs.
Using programmable thermostats can adjust heating according to the actual needs of the standard equipment, helping to reduce heating expenses. Moreover, smart thermostats and connected homes can identify our energy expenditures and alter certain consumption habits, making energy savings effortless and optimizing electricity bills for savings of up to 15%! Why pay the most for electricity? By having more control over energy consumption, you can benefit from favorable electricity rates from local power suppliers, leading to better peak management.
In Canada, the annual average energy cost for a Quebec single-family home is 2,200 CAD. A 15% reduction in energy costs equates to an average annual saving of 330 USD. This is a wise move to cut down on electricity expenses while also contributing to the environment!
Improved Heating
During energy-efficient home renovations, installing efficient heat pumps can also lead to substantial savings. The heat generated by heat pumps averages three times the electrical energy consumed. This means that the efficiency of heat pumps is far superior to other heat sources.
Reducing Appliance Consumption
There are appliances on the market that have lower energy consumption than standard ones. Two tools are available for assessing appliance energy consumption: EnerGuide labels and ENERGY STAR® certification. Low-energy appliances perform just as well as non-certified appliances in terms of washing clothes and dishes.
The most power-hungry appliance is the clothes dryer (few models meet ENERGY STAR® standards). Around 80% of American households have a clothes dryer, presenting a significant opportunity for energy savings. If all clothes dryers sold in the United States were ENERGY STAR certified, Americans could save over 1.5 billion USD in utility costs annually and reduce greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to over 2 million cars. Whenever possible, environmentally friendly options like outdoor clotheslines are preferable, and we’ve also found that clothes dried this way require less ironing and have a fresher scent! If not, we recommend selecting a condenser dryer with a heat pump as a low-energy option when upgrading old models. But as we’ve said, when replacing an old dryer, choose one with ENERGY STAR® certification.
How to Reduce Food and Household Expenses
Another major expense is groceries, and there are various ways to save on food costs. For instance, creating a weekly menu and corresponding shopping list can prevent buying excessive perishable foods that go to waste. Properly managing food in the refrigerator can also prevent food waste and consequently reduce unnecessary expenses.
Various food preservation techniques such as freezing, canning, drying, or fermenting can help make use of excess food and establish a small stockpile for year-round use. Processing local foods in the fall can save on the costs of certain products and promote local economic development, enhancing people’s sense of connection to local food production and seasons.
Soups are a great way to profit from surplus seasonal produce. They are nutritious, easy to freeze, and can be enjoyed over the course of several months after preparation. If you have a cellar, an unheated storage room, or a garage without heating, storing root vegetables is easy. Lay them out in layers on old newspapers using cardboard boxes or wooden crates recycled from local produce stores. In spring, reuse them to create a layered garden instead of a vast sterile lawn – this is better for bees too!
Making laundry detergent from soapberry fruits is another fun and effective way to reduce grocery expenses. Grab a big sack, take the kids and the dog, and go foraging for soapberry fruits outdoors on a sunny autumn day. These fruits are usually found in parks and old neighborhoods in towns – a competition to see who can collect the most or find the largest fruits can even come with prizes. This also serves as stress relief, reconnecting the family with nature, and we assure you that regardless of the thermostat setting at home, you’ll come back feeling warmly comfortable, allowing everyone to sleep soundly after breathing in the fresh air…
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Factors to Consider When Choosing a Heat Pump for Cold Climates
While an official “cold climate” standard for heat pumps is yet to be established, the upcoming Energy Star standard for air-source heat pumps, set to launch in January 2023, will introduce a certification mark specifically for cold-climate heat pumps. This mark will indicate a suitable level of low-temperature performance and efficiency.
In the meantime, the NEEP (Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships), led by Dave Lis, maintains a database of heat pump models that excel in cold weather conditions. Many of the models in this database demonstrate effective heating capabilities even at frigid temperatures as low as 5°F, as well as at mild temperatures of 47°F. These heat pumps are specifically designed to withstand the significant temperature fluctuations experienced in the Northeast and Midwest regions throughout winter.
A critical feature to look for in a cold-climate heat pump is a variable speed compressor, powered by an inverter. While this type of compressor can benefit heat pumps in any climate, its advantages are especially notable in regions with distinct seasonal variations. It enables a single heat pump to operate efficiently and effectively during the harshest winter freezes, the most sweltering summer afternoons, and all the moderate days in between.
Another advantage of a variable-speed system is its ability to maintain a more stable indoor temperature (and humidity level) compared to traditional single-speed HVAC systems. Iain Walker, PhD, a mechanical engineer and building scientist at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, explains that single-speed setups often result in significant fluctuations in indoor climate as they turn on and off throughout the day.
Dave Lis uses a car analogy to illustrate the difference: Single-speed heat pumps operate at either 0 or 100 mph, while variable-speed systems can run at various speeds in between. On a bitterly cold night in February or a hot, humid day in July, variable-speed systems can operate at high speeds. On milder days in October or April, they can operate at slower speeds, akin to driving through a school zone. The need to reach top gear is rare. Variable-speed models also contribute to energy savings, similar to how consistent, moderate driving improves gas mileage compared to constant acceleration and braking.
Another technology that has enhanced low-temperature performance is flash injection, also known as vapor injection. Standard heat pumps may experience a decrease in heating capacity as outdoor temperatures drop. While a heat pump might effectively heat your home when it’s 40°F outside, it could struggle below 25°F. However, cold-climate heat pumps can utilize a shortcut in their refrigerant loops during low temperatures, enhancing their heating performance in cold weather. Although the efficiency may slightly decrease during this mode and when running self-defrosting cycles (required to melt ice that accumulates on the heat pump’s coils), the energy usage remains considerably more efficient than that of electric resistance or fuel-fired systems, according to Lis.
Similar to “regular” heat pumps, cold-climate heat pumps are available in two main types: ducted and ductless. If your home already has well-functioning ductwork, a ducted heat pump is usually the preferred option. However, if your home lacks ductwork, such as when you currently use radiators for heating or when adding climate control to a garage, attic, or home addition, a ductless system, commonly referred to as a mini-split, is typically the choice. Both types offer efficient and effective performance in cold weather, and the main difference lies in how they deliver heat (and cooling). For more comprehensive information on the various types of heat pumps and their operation, please refer to our heat pump buying guide.
Considerations When Selecting a Heat Pump for Cold Environments
While an official standard specifically for heat pumps in cold climates has yet to be established, the upcoming Energy Star standard for air-source heat pumps, scheduled to launch in January 2023, will introduce a certification mark exclusively for heat pumps suitable for cold climates. This mark will indicate an acceptable level of performance and efficiency in low-temperature conditions.
Meanwhile, the NEEP (Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships), under the leadership of Dave Lis, maintains a database of heat pump models that excel in cold weather. Numerous models in this database demonstrate effective heating capabilities even in extreme temperatures as low as 5°F, as well as in milder conditions of 47°F. These heat pumps are specifically designed to withstand the significant temperature fluctuations experienced in winter within the Northeast and Midwest regions.
A crucial feature to consider in a heat pump for cold climates is a variable speed compressor, powered by an inverter. While this compressor type can benefit heat pumps in any climate, its advantages are particularly notable in areas with distinct seasonal variations. It enables a single heat pump to operate efficiently and effectively during harsh winter freezes, scorching summer afternoons, and everything in between.
Another advantage of a variable-speed system is its ability to maintain a more stable indoor temperature and humidity level compared to traditional single-speed HVAC systems. Iain Walker, PhD, a mechanical engineer and building scientist at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, explains that single-speed setups often result in significant indoor climate fluctuations as they cycle on and off throughout the day.
Using a car analogy, Dave Lis highlights the difference: Single-speed heat pumps operate at either 0 or 100 mph, while variable-speed systems can operate at various speeds in between. On freezing nights in February or sweltering days in July, variable-speed systems can perform at high speeds. On mild days in October or April, they can operate at lower speeds, similar to driving through a school zone. The need to reach maximum speed is rare. Variable-speed models also contribute to energy savings, comparable to how consistent, moderate driving improves gas mileage compared to constant acceleration and braking.
Another technology that has improved low-temperature performance is flash injection, also known as vapor injection. Standard heat pumps may experience a decrease in heating capacity as outdoor temperatures drop. While a heat pump might effectively warm your home when it’s 40°F outside, it could struggle below 25°F. However, heat pumps designed for cold climates can utilize a shortcut in their refrigerant loops during low temperatures, enhancing their heating performance in cold weather. Although the efficiency may slightly decrease during this mode and when running self-defrosting cycles (required to melt ice that accumulates on the heat pump’s coils), the energy usage remains considerably more efficient than that of electric resistance or fuel-fired systems, according to Lis.
Similar to conventional heat pumps, those suitable for cold climates are available in two primary types: ducted and ductless. If your home already has well-functioning ductwork, a ducted heat pump is typically the preferred choice. However, if your home lacks ductwork, such as when using radiators for heating or when adding climate control to a garage, attic, or home addition, a ductless system, often referred to as a mini-split, is usually the recommended option. Both types offer efficient and effective performance in cold weather, with the primary distinction lying in how they deliver heat (and cooling). For more comprehensive information on the different types of heat pumps and their operation, please consult our heat pump buying guide.
Unveiling the Potential Financial Benefits of Heat Pumps in Cold Climates
As per Lis from the NEEP, the initial surge of cold-climate heat pump adoption in northern New England occurred when heating fuel prices skyrocketed during the early 2010s. Many residents realized that utilizing a heat pump to keep their homes warm was not only cost-effective but also more economical than relying on propane, oil, or wood—the prevalent fuel sources in that region. Moreover, they enjoyed the added advantage of experiencing air conditioning for the first time.
Now, you may question the actual extent of monetary savings achievable with a heat pump or whether it can at least offset your HVAC expenses. A comprehensive study conducted by UC Davis estimates that approximately 32 percent of households in the United States, including those situated in severely cold regions, can reap financial benefits by transitioning to a whole-home heat pump system. Furthermore, if heat pump subsidies become more prevalent, these savings could potentially escalate, especially if the price ratio between fuel and electricity remains as high as it currently stands. For a clearer understanding of the potential savings in your specific state, we recommend consulting the fact sheets provided by the Department of Energy.
The most substantial savings are likely to be enjoyed by individuals who currently rely on “delivered” fuels like propane and oil—similar to the early adopters in New England—as well as those who currently heat their homes using electric furnaces or electric baseboard radiators.
A notable example is Jerome Edgington, a skilled machinist hailing from Leicester, Massachusetts, who installed a mini-split system in his residence towards the end of 2019. In each of the coldest months, he consistently saves an average of around $150 compared to the expenses he would have incurred by utilizing his oil boiler. Considering the persistently high oil prices, which have reached historical peaks since March 2022, Edgington estimates potential monthly savings of approximately $550. Since natural gas is not available in his area and installing a ground-source heat pump would have been exorbitant and complex, he regarded air-source heat pumps as the sole viable alternative.
In terms of cost, using natural gas for heating generally proves to be more economical compared to utilizing a heat pump. Lis explains that as heat pumps continue to improve in efficiency, the cost disparity is gradually shrinking. He emphasizes that it’s not a significant gap between the two options. However, on an individual level, the cost outcome will depend on various factors such as the regional climate, whether the winter is harsh or mild, the specific HVAC equipment used, the quality of installation, and utility prices.
A case study involving Dave Adams, a pastor and home renovator from Fort Wayne, Indiana, further illustrates this point. In 2020, Adams installed a ducted heat pump with excellent specifications for cold climates to replace a broken air conditioner and an aging gas furnace. According to his video, he experienced an increase of approximately $270 in his heating costs compared to the previous year, although a significant portion of that increase occurred during an unusually cold month. However, in terms of cooling, the heat pump demonstrated significantly higher efficiency than his old air conditioner, resulting in his family nearly breaking even on the overall heating and cooling costs during the first year of ownership. Adams details this in a series of YouTube videos, including the one linked.
Now let’s turn our attention to the installation expenses. Cold-climate heat pumps generally carry a higher price tag for both purchase and installation compared to other HVAC equipment, often exceeding the combined cost of a reliable furnace and central air conditioner. However, it’s important to note that exceptions abound, as is the case with most aspects of HVAC systems.
Additionally, it’s important to consider the cost savings associated with choosing a heat pump that doesn’t experience frequent breakdowns. In pursuit of this goal, Consumer Reports (CR) has compiled anticipated reliability and owner satisfaction ratings for 24 leading brands of ducted heat pumps. These ratings are based on extensive data collected from thousands of heat pumps in actual usage scenarios, gathered through member surveys since 2016. CR members have the opportunity to delve into these scores and explore the findings.
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