| These days everything around us reminds us to | | | | carpets or ceramic tiles. Since heat rises, radiant |
| be conscious of the world we live in. Reports on | | | | heating adequately warms up an enclosed space |
| climate change, diminishing world food supply, and | | | | without having to adjust the thermostat. |
| damage to our ozone layer - what more warning | | | | Invest in space heaters. Space heaters surround a |
| signs do we need before we do our part to save | | | | room with added warmth at a fraction of the |
| the environment. | | | | cost of oil or gas. They are recommended for |
| I say we start at home. Though eco-friendly | | | | places where central heating is not practical. |
| home heating systems may cost more, they | | | | Go for double-paned windows. Windows account |
| come out cheaper in the long run and definitely | | | | for much heat loss especially old windows. |
| more energy-efficient. The biggest plus is you can | | | | Upgrade to double-paned windows. They have low |
| be a good vanguard of the Earth while enjoying | | | | emissive coatings on the glass to reduce heat |
| the benefits of the latest home heating systems. | | | | loss. Others help reflect heat back to the room |
| You can get started with these earth-friendly | | | | during winter. |
| home heating ideas. | | | | Choose wood stove and wood stove alternatives. |
| Adjust or get programmable thermostat. You can | | | | In early times, a wood burning stove is |
| set the temperature according to times of the | | | | traditionally used to heat up the home. It is even |
| day, so you are not wasting energy when you | | | | more effective than a fireplace. Nowadays, the |
| are not home or you are asleep. For every | | | | pellet stove is gaining popularity. Pellets which are |
| degree you lower your thermostat, you save a | | | | made from compressed sawdust or wood chips |
| considerable amount of energy use. | | | | have replaced fossil fuels. Pellets can also be |
| Power your home with solar/photovoltaic panels. | | | | burned to heat water. |
| This may be costly to begin with but is likely to | | | | Set up a ground source heat system. A ground |
| be beneficial in the end. Solar panels can capture | | | | source heat pump taps water from underground |
| sunlight into energy which in turn can heat water. | | | | into the home to provide central heating and in |
| The PV system needs no refueling, does not emit | | | | some instances heat water too. A heat pump is |
| pollution and does not produce noise and is easy | | | | generally powered by electricity and for every |
| to maintain. | | | | unit of electricity consumed to pump heat, three |
| Warm your home with biofuels. For going green | | | | to four units of heat are produced. |
| stalwarts, a perfect alternative to heat the home | | | | Use the fireplace. Gather wood scraps to make |
| is through the use of biofuels. Biofuels are derived | | | | fire or better yet install a fireplace insert made |
| from recent compost. They reduce pollution from | | | | from steel plates, cast iron and glass to make |
| burning. | | | | your fireplace airtight and more efficient. |
| Install a radiant heating system. Although this may | | | | Seal out the cold. Get rid of drafts around the |
| be expensive and involve some home | | | | windows, doors, baseboards and outside wall |
| renovations; opting for a radiant heating system is | | | | openings. Apply weather stripping, caulk or |
| known to cut electricity bills to as much as forty | | | | expanded foam to sea air leaks. |
| percent. Radiant heating can be placed under | | | | |