send in a question of your own Q:I know people planning to use portable electric heaters this winter to ward off some of the high cost of oil and propane. Does that really lower the cost of heating a house? (Posted Nov. 21, 2008) A: I can see why people would think that using a portable heater would be an energy-saving solution to today's gas and oil prices. But in Vermont, electricity is still one of the most expensive ways to heat.

Li Ling Young, Bob Murphy, and Kathleen Brown

A typical portable electric space heater can increase your heating costs unless you intend to turn off your central heating system and use a portable heater in only the room you occupy. If you can stay comfortable and healthy doing that, keep in mind that your plumbing can't; pipes in unheated spaces can freeze.

A better approach is to make your central heating system work as efficiently as possible. Be sure your furnace filter is clean. Seal and insulate heating ducts, and have your furnace or boiler professionally inspected, cleaned and tuned each year. Vacuum or dust heating vents or baseboards and move furniture away from them so heat can circulate.

Then, take some steps to keep warm air in the house and to keep cold air out. Find places where air can move between the attic and heated spaces and seal them with expanding foam or caulk. Likely places for air leaks are around plumbing, wiring, chimneys, and gaps around recessed lights and fans.

Lastly, be sure you have at least 12 inches of insulation on your attic floor. You can hire a Home Performance with ENERGY STAR^® contractor to do a whole-house assessment and to make the improvements that can enable you to use less central-heating fuel and keep you comfortable without the expense of running portable electric heaters.

            - Kathleen from The Home Team

Have a question about energy use in your home? Ask the Home Team! Contact Li Ling, Bob and Kathleen or call toll-free: 888-921-5990 to speak with a customer service representative.