If you are looking for ways to save money on domestic expenses this fall, one of the best things you can do for your wallet (while helping the environment, too) is make the switch to green heating.

Whether your house runs on a boiler or a radiator system, you’ll have plenty of options for a more eco-friendly way to generate heat throughout your home. Like most green ventures, you may have to pay a pretty penny to install an energy-efficient unit; however, in the long run, you will save on the cost of your utility bills.

So what, exactly, are your options? Here is a list of several units that will save you money, reduce your home energy consumption and, ultimately, create a cleaner environment.

Boiler Heating

• High-Efficiency Boiler: How do you measure a given boiler’s energy efficiency? Every boiler is assigned an AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) rating that compares the amount of heat delivered throughout your home to the amount of fuel that must be supplied to the furnace. While all heaters in the U.S. must hold an AFUE rating of 78%, that still means that 22% of the fuel used to heat your home is expelled outside, creating harmful greenhouse gases. Also, many older homes are equipped with heating systems measuring anywhere from 50 to 68% on the AFUE scale! An eco-friendly, high-efficiency boiler should have an AFUE rating of 90%.
• Sealed-Combustion Boiler: One way to reduce the chance of inhaling toxic carbon monoxide gases all together would be by installing a sealed-combustion boiler. This unit draws air from the outside of your home and eliminates backdrafting of combustion gases. And since the boiler will not be using heated indoor air, it won’t be wasting energy and that in turn will make your utility bill will be significantly lower.

Radiator Heating

• Geothermal Heat Pump: If you have an existing radiator system, installing a geothermal heat pump sources its energy from the earth and redistributes the warmth throughout your home. Water is pumped through a system of underground pipes to bring heat into your house. No unfriendly gases here! And you’ll see savings in anywhere between three to five years.
• Zoned Hydronic Radiant Heating: A radiant floor system provides some of the most evenly distributed heat you could need or want. It also won’t dry out any furniture and it will not expel dust allergens. Because water retains more heat than air does, radiant heating is a more efficient way to warm up your house. You can even save between 30 and 50% on utility costs! Whether you have carpet, tile, hardwood, stone, etc., you can install radiant heating.

If you’re not in the market for a new heating system just yet, a great way to save on your heating bills is to turn down your thermostat, especially when you leave the house. Many people leave it at 70, but if you take it down to 65, you’ll save at least 10% on your utility bill!