Per my New Year's resolution I completed three DIY home projects this fall hoping to reduce our use of natural gas. My weather-proofing projects were:
- Seal 7 window frames with spray foam insulation
- Close a large air gap under the bathroom vanity
- Replace the backdoor and double up weatherstrip
I've had my fingers crossed that these weather proofing projects would make a difference large enough to see on our gas bill. It looks like I didn't need to worry. Here are the numbers.
Heating Bill before and after Weather Proofing
Before Weather Proofing
Jan 12 - Feb 11, 2010 (30 days)
Natural Gas used = 70.09 Therms @ $75.12
Heating Degree Days = 1015
Therms per Heating Degree Day = 0.0690
After Weather Proofing
Jan 12 - Feb 9, 2011 (28 days)
Natural Gas used = 60.8 Therms @ $58.37
Heating Degree Days = 1029
Therms per Heating Degree Day = 0.0590
14.5% reduction in natural gas used!
Woo Hoo! We are making real, quantifiable progress in reducing our need for natural gas (and gas bills).
I've written more (and link to the projects) here:
The Rugged Individual vs Fossil Fuels | EcoDaddyo.com
Tim