Winters in South Bend, Indiana, are especially long.
The cold weather arrives sometime in October and typically lasts until the end of May.
We frequently experience temperatures in the teens and even well below zero. My heating bills are always a concern. The furnace blasts at maximum capacity round-the-clock for months at a time. I have invested into a top-of-the-line, Energy Star rated furnace, hoping to reduce utility bills. I chose a heating system with a 96% AFUE rating that features both adaptable-speed technology and zone control. It cost me a small fortune but is steadily paying for itself. The adaptable-speed operation allows the heater to automatically adjust output and supply only the exact amount of heat necessary to maintain perfect comfort. This avoids temperature swings, and the energy waste of a system continually starting up and shutting down. Zone control is especially helpful because I can customize thermostat settings room-by-room. I’m not forced to maintain perfect comfort in empty spaces. I can cater to the specific requirements of the room as well as personal preferences. It’s possible to keep bedrooms cooler than the living room. I can set a lower temperature in the kitchen when I’m running the oven. Although I am very happy with the new furnace, I continue to look for ways to trim energy usage. I make sure to open the blinds during the afternoon to take advantage of warmth from the sun. I’ve added insulation to the attic, caulked around the windows and installed weatherstripping on exterior doors. The weather in South Bend means relying on the furnace for around eight months, which is expensive.