contributed by Chrissy Chalmers

Did you know that heating and cooling make up more than half of the overall energy use in a normal US home? This makes it the largest energy expense for most Americans, but this is often because the home has an out-dated, ineffective heating system.
Thankfully, it is very easy for you to replace your heating with a more efficient DIY heating option. Some of these methods use gas, which heats over 50% of homes in America, while other heating systems use bio-ethanol products that tend to be more environmentally friendly. From a fireplace that can create a traditional feel in your home to underfloor heating, here are 3 DIY heating options for your home.

Ethanol fireplaces
A traditional fireplace is nearly impossible to install if you don’t already have a chimney, but don’t worry; you can easily add an ethanol fireplace to your home. This is because ethanol fireplaces are very easy to install, and as they project heat forwards you can even put your TV above the ethanol fireplace! Bio-ethanol fireplaces are also more eco-friendly than traditional fireplaces, which is ideal for the majority of Americans; a recent study found that most Americans want eco-friendly homes, and they are more than happy to pay more for an eco-friendly home.

Stoves
A stove is a great way to heat your home, and if you go for a multi-fuel stove or a wood burning stove you will be choosing a very energy efficient option. This is because stoves are sealed to burn fuel as efficiently as possible. They are also very easy to install and clean!

Warm up sticky mats
Most people assume that underfloor heating is an expensive heating option that they can’t afford to put in their home, but if you are already remodeling your home it is actually quite easy to add in underfloor heating. Simply apply insulation boards to the subfloor, and then install DIY electric underfloor heating on the top of it. Once you have done this you can apply your flooring choice! This is a very easy method, and it is fairly energy efficient so you don’t have to worry too much about your energy bill.
All three of these DIY heating methods are energy efficient and easy to install – so what are you waiting for? Decide which option is best for your home and get ready to DIY!