From Guest Blogger John McMalcolm: Go Green When Heating Up for Winter

When winter comes around, most households and offices need to use more energy to stay warm.

Increased use of energy does not only raise utility bills; it can also have a negative impact on the environment. The production of energy results in the emission of greenhouse gases and the depletion of natural resources, and you can do your part to save the environment by reducing your energy consumption.

Here are a number of things you can do to go green while heating up your home or office during winter.

Adjust Your Thermostat

One of the easiest ways to save on heating costs during winter is to turn your thermostat down whenever you can.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, lowering your thermostat by 10 to 15 degrees for about eight hours can reduce your yearly heating cost by up to 10 percent. If you find that it is inconvenient to have to adjust your thermostat manually from time to time, it may be a good idea to purchase a programmable thermostat. This type of thermostat can be set to adjust temperature automatically.

Use a Fireplace Insert

The efficiency of most old fireplaces with open hearths usually ranges between 5 and 10 percent, because the amount of warm air they produce is only slightly more than the amount they consume.

Made of cast iron, steel plates and glass, a fireplace insert can make your fireplace airtight and more efficient.

Weatherize Your Home or Office

Another effective way to stay warm without consuming too much energy is to weatherize your home or office.

Check your windows, doorways, walls and other areas for holes and cracks, and weatherstrip or caulk them to prevent cold air from entering your home or office. In just one year, the energy savings you gain may offset the total cost of the weatherstripping or caulking.

Use Biofuels

Biofuels are made from recently dead biological matter, such as wood, manure, corn and sugarcane.

They burn cleaner and release less harmful emissions than fossil fuels. By using biofuels to heat your home or office, you can contribute significantly to the green movement.

Install Radiant Heating

Installing radiant heating can be costly, but it can help you save substantially on energy costs in the long run.

A “dry” heating system placed under carpets or ceramic tiles can reduce your heating costs by 20 to 40 percent.

Upgrade Your Windows

If your home or office has old windows, you may have to spend 10 to 25 percent more on heating. New windows with double-paned glass or low emissivity coatings can reduce heat loss and lower your heating bills substantially.

There are also windows that are specially designed to reflect heat back into your home or office during winter.

In order to stop environmental degradation successfully, everybody has to make a point to adopt a green lifestyle. By taking effective measures to go green during winter, you can help build a more sustainable world.

About the Author: John McMalcolm is a freelance writer who writes on a wide range of environmental topics, from recycling to window replacement.