With rising energy costs, making small changes can add up to significant savings over the course of the winter season. Here are some tips for maximizing your home heating.
Checking and Replacing Filters
Checking and replacing filters regularly is vital to ensuring that your heating system runs efficiently. Clogged or dirty filters reduce airflow, making it hard for your system to regulate temperature properly. Most furnace filters should be changed monthly during peak heating season and more often if you have pets or allergies.
Scheduling Maintenance
Scheduling maintenance for your heater at least once a year can help ensure it operates as efficiently as possible before you need it most. A professional technician will inspect all of the components of the system, clean debris from outside vents, and ensure all connections are secure so that you get maximum performance from your unit every year.
Insulating Windows and Doors
Drafty windows and doors can cause heat loss, translating into wasted energy dollars. Installing weatherstripping around casings, frames, doorjambs, baseboards, and other places where cold air might enter is an inexpensive way to improve insulation in your home.
If necessary, replace old windows with high-efficiency models; they pay off with increased comfort and lower energy bills in the long run.
Programmable Thermostats
Installing a programmable thermostat allows you to set temperature settings by day so that you only use energy when heat is needed most. You can also adjust night-time settings when everyone’s asleep so that you’re not wasting money on heating a room nobody’s using; many models allow remote access via smartphone apps to adjust settings even when you’re away from home.
Replacing an Old Unit
Finally, consider replacing a unit that’s over ten years old. Newer models are more efficient and can save you money in the long run. If you have further questions about maximizing your home heating system or need to schedule maintenance, contact a local HVAC specialist today.
When it comes to maximizing comfort levels while reducing energy consumption in the home, following these simple tips will help ensure that both goals are achieved cost-effectively. For those who use oil tanks to heat their homes, expert services such as Interstate Gas & Oil will be helpful. Give us a call today or fill out our online contact form!
