Saving money without sacrificing heat
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| Portable space heaters provide immediate warmth in small rooms without turning up the thermostat. They can be expensive in the long run, though. (CAROLINE DAVIS/ Rockbridge Report) |
As heaters crank up in local homes, Rockbridge-area residents will rely on energy-saving tips and a recent decrease in oil prices to avoid the high costs of staying warm this winter.
An increasingly optimistic forecast from the U.S. Department of Energy predicts that heating homes will be more affordable this season. In a report released Nov. 12, the agency said it expects residential heating oil prices to be 17 percent lower than they were last winter.
The global economic crisis has led to a decreased demand for energy and a reduction in most energy prices. Ray Hickman, operations manager for Whiting Oil Co., estimates a price of $2.65 a gallon for the Rockbridge area.
“As the winter goes on, it all will depend on the economy,” Hickman said. “If the economy keeps going bad, it’s going to affect those prices.”
Hickman said that while home heating fuel costs are indeed down this year the cost pinch remains for many local residents.
“It’s still hard on people to pay these kinds of prices when they’re used to the smaller prices from a couple years ago,” he said.
While consumers have no control over the price of heating oil, they can do something about their consumption.
George Ray of Ray Remodeling and Property Maintenance had some choice tips for locals during a home energy workshop at the Spencer Home Center earlier this month.
He advised people to test for drafts around the home and to use weatherstripping to fill cracks. Other energy-saving techniques include insulating pipes and making sure the walls of the entire home are fully insulated.
Ray said low heating costs are especially difficult to achieve in Lexington, where a significant number of buildings are old, historic and drafty.
“All the old homes have cracks all through them,” said Ray. “Newer homes are pretty much guaranteed to have insulation because it’s required by code. The older homes need to be checked out.”
He said one big-dollar item that can save homeowners money is replacement windows.
“It’s proven that new insulated glass can improve heat retention up to four times the normal amount,” said Ray. “That’s substantial.”
Many of the historic buildings still have their original windows, which let in cold air easily. Owners are often reluctant to replace them, as new window installments for an old building are especially expensive. Custom-made windows are often required – which can cost from $600 to $850 per window.
The Magnolia House Bed and Breakfast on South Main Street, built in 1868, is one of those older homes.
Owner Timothy Decker is unable to put insulation in the walls because they are solid brick and mortar. The only real insulation in the home can be found in the upstairs attic. Despite that, Decker finds they get by just fine.
“We make do,” he said. “We don’t find the [heating] costs exorbitant.”
Decker said he has not calculated the heating cost differences between this year and last year. But he said this year has been significantly more comfortable.
And though prices are down now, it doesn’t mean they will stay that way.
Ray said putting money into energy-saving measures for your home will have long-term benefits.
“Definitely over the years you’ll get your money back,” he said. “No doubt about it.”
And another incentive for energy-saving improvements?
Any upgrades made on the home will allow individuals to claim a tax credit from the government. The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 makes these tax credits applicable for energy-saving enhancements on windows, doors, roofs, insulation and non-solar water heaters.
Produced by
Washington and Lee
journalism students.
Lead Supervisors:
Prof. Brian
Richardson
Prof. Indira Somani
Editing supervisor:
Prof. Doug
Cumming
Technical supervisor: Michael Todd