Heating systems account for 35-50% of a house's energy bill, the largest portion. They are also some of the top pollutants, spewing out a billion tons of CO2 into the atmosphere every year, along with other toxic gases like nitrous oxide and sulfur dioxide. Upgrading to a high efficiency heating system can not only save you money but also help to reduce how much your home is polluting.
Heating systems work by replacing the heat that is lost through the shell of your house. Size, location, energy efficiency of your house and the efficiency of your heating system are the primary factors in determining how much energy it takes to keep your home heated.
There is not a lot you can do to decrease the size of your home of course, but there are several steps that can be taken to save money on your energy bill, such as improving insulation, sealing air leaks, and repairing the heat distribution systems. A premiere heating system upgrade, however, might be your best option in keeping you warm and happy with your finances in the long run.