This post is the first of a multi-part series on saving energy and staying warm this winter.
Here's the question: 'How do I best stay comfortable without spending a fortune on heating energy costs this winter?'
This very simple question should have a simple answer, so we'll do our best to keep it simple. This post is focused on the human component of the (min cost + max comfort = where we want to be equation).
We talk a lot about high performance heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and about high performance super insulated building shells, and we should. We'll pick these topics up later, but for now let's focus on the most easily controlled variable we have in our 'where we want to be equation': Us.
Conservation is always the first choice for saving energy, saving money and most importantly, saving Earth. So being consistent with our 'Always start with the low or no cost solutions' axiom, here are some quick ‘n’ easy behavioral actions you can implement at home or office to maintain comfort while conserving energy.
1) Be an active participant – think about your surroundings. Plan and act to be comfortable and to save energy
2) Dress seasonally – it costs nothing to wear seasonal clothing. Sweaters, turtle necks, socks and even hats when appropriate.
3) Passive gain – open window coverings to direct sun through windows onto masonry floors, etc., to help gain passive heat energy in winter.
4) Avoid window heat loss – Use blinds/drapes to help avoid heat loss at night.
5) Manage the thermostat – adjust settings for ‘away’ periods. Keep just enough heat to protect pets, plants, plumbing, etc. Also, sleep periods should require much less heating. Programmable thermostats are easier and better, but you can manage the temperature with any thermostat.
6) Understand radiation – comfort is more than just air temperature. Air movement, relative humidity and surrounding surface temperatures all come in to play. Heat always travels from warm to cold. If you are nearby a cold wall or window in winter, your body heat will radiate (will transfer and be lost) to the cold surface. The net result is you will feel cold even if the surrounding air is at a comfortable temperature. So, just keep this in mind; it’s not all about the temperature, and you may want to avoid the uncomfortable surface exposure instead of trying to overcome this situation by increasing the thermostat setting.
Practicing these and other behavioral improvements will go a long way toward accomplishing our goal of staying warm and saving energy (money). So far our cost = $ 0, and we've gone a long way toward creating a more sustainable environment.
Look for upcoming posts on the heating systems and the building shell.
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