Tips to Save on High Home Heating Costs

Energy experts predict home heating costs will rise upward of 50 percent this winter, thanks to the havoc caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on the Gulf Coast, the nation's number-one energy-producing hub.

The Energy Information Administration Web site maintained by the United States government predicts chilling increases across the board. Households heating with oil can expect to pay approximately 32 percent or $378 more this winter. Those using natural gas can expect to pay about 48 percent or $350 more, while propane users can expect to pay 30 percent or $325 more.

The households that will be least hit use electricity for heating. They can expect a modest 5 percent increase, or about $38 more.

To prepare for the impact, some homeowners and renters have begun to outfit their living spaces with products to boost energy efficiency. Karla Faloon, a design consultant at Janovic Plaza in Wainscott, said interest in energy-saving window treatments "has never been stronger." Honeycomb shades, which are available from several manufacturers, offer the highest in energy conservation, she said.

According to Ms. Faloon, their "beehive structure" prevents heat from escaping while at the same time keeps cool air from coming in. Forty percent of all heat inside the house escapes because heat naturally moves toward cold surfaces such as glass windows, she said.

"The cells of a honeycomb shade actually trap cold air, decreasing its temperature as it enters the room," according to Ms. Faloon, "and this helps cut down on the amount of heat that goes out your windows."

For Bob Cummings, a sales consultant with North Shore Window and Door in Wainscott, addressing the root of the problem is key. "Marvin windows are the best." Consumers who want "the best" can expect to spend $700 to $800 per window. According to Energy Star reports, these windows are twice as efficient as an average window produced 10 years ago.

"People are more conscious of rising heating costs this year," said Mr. Cummings. "Marvin's are definitely expensive, but in the long run they are worth it." The windows are made to order and take anywhere from six to eight weeks to arrive.

While high-end windows may not be in everyone's budget, covering old ones with plastic will cut down on drafts. "The plastic really works. It keeps air from coming in," said Herb Kiembock, the owner of Amagansett Hardware.

Experience has shown that most customers react like the grasshopper versus the ant when it comes to buying products to boost energy efficiency. "They're never prepared," Mr. Kiembock said. "The time people will think about conservation or energy saving is the first day of a cold spell."

Mr. Kiembock said consumption tends to trump conservation but that he anticipates East Enders will do more this year than last to prepare for the cold. He ticked off a few items like insulating kits and portable heaters that he predicts will be strong sellers.

Dave Browne, the East Hampton Town fire marshal, advised those who use portable heaters not to skimp on price. "The more expensive the unit the better your chances of buying a quality product. Also, you want to make sure there is a tip-over, shut-off valve. Consumerreports.org is a good resource to check for recalls before buying."

"Kerosene heaters can be a fire hazard," he said. "Do not try to refill these heaters when they're hot, as sparks could start a fire."

"Demand is on the rise," reported Michael Clark of Riverhead, a wholesaler and retailer of firewood. "I hear a lot of guys want to get in on the business, but they don't have access to seasoned firewood."

Cliff Kalfaian, the manager of the Sag Harbor Fireplace showroom, said, "There's been a lot of interest in wood now because of the instability in home heating fuel costs. We've seen a big surge in wood stoves."

Wood stoves can be freestanding or installed in an existing fireplace. This application will increase the fuel efficiency of a fireplace to 70 percent or better. "Today's wood stoves are much different from the old clunkers of the 1970s. New models are better for the environment, burn much less wood, and their emissions are a fraction of what they were three decades ago."

"The easiest way to evaluate the most efficient heating option is to find the common denominator," said Michael Bailis, a sales consultant at Flanders Heating and Air Conditioning. "We advise customers to look at how many British thermal units are produced for a buck."

A gallon of Number 2 home heating oil will produce 41,000 B.T.U.s, versus 98,000 B.T.U.s for a home equipped with a geothermal heat pump. The pump moves heat from inside the earth's core to the house, and the energy produced can also be used for cooling. Consumers can expect to see a return on their $10,000 to $20,000 investment after five to seven years of use, said Mr. Bailis.

A new furnace is an obvious option to reduce heating costs. Replacing an old heating system with an average, up-to-date standard oil or gas hot air furnace will save homeowners 10 to 20 percent, while a deluxe liquid propane or natural gas furnace will save 30 to 35 percent.

As the adage goes, not only does it take money to make money - it appears it takes money to save money.