Stay warm this winter by following
these heating tips and by having our
technician service your furnace.
Download a pdf of these
heating tips.
1. A dusty filter reduces air flow. Examine your unit’s air filters once a month and clean or replace filters when necessary. Keeping your filters clean can help save energy.
2. Reduce your thermostat setting at night and/or when you are away. A 10-degree setback for eight hours each day could help save you money.
3. Locate your thermostat on an inside wall and away from windows and doors. Cold drafts can cause the thermostat to keep the system running even when the house is warm enough.
4. Make sure exhaust vents and air intakes are clean. Keep these vents clear of snow, tall grass, leaves and other debris.
5. If you have a heat pump, keep the outdoor unit clear of grass, leaves and especially drifting snow around the outdoor coil.
6. Never switch a heat pump to the “emergency heat” setting on the thermostat, unless the unit is malfunctioning. This setting will turn on the electric heat and it will drastically increase your electric bill if it is used in a non-emergency situation for an extended period of time.
7. Keep all heating outlets and return-air grills free from obstructions, such as draperies, furniture or rugs. Clean these vents regularly with a vacuum or broom.
8. Have your furnace and water heater inspected annually by a qualified heating contractor. It is critical to make sure all fuel-burning appliances are wired and operating properly so it is working at peak efficiency.
AROUND THE HOUSE
9. Use ceiling or oscillating fans to circulate the air.
10. Keep your fireplace damper closed tightly when not in use.
11. If you have duct work in the attic or garage, be sure it is covered with at least 6 inches of insulation. Seal the seams and joints in duct work with duct sealing compound sold at hardware and home improvement centers.
12. If your home has a crawl space with air vents in the walls, close the vents and seal with insulation from the inside during the winter.
13. Insulate basement and crawl space walls. If your basement or crawl space is a cold, unoccupied area, then the floor between the cold area and the living space should also be insulated.
14. Seal air leaks with caulking, weather stripping, and sheets of plastic on large areas.
15. Keep draperies and shades open on sunny days but close them on cloudy days and at night.
16. If your home does have cold spots, contact a qualified heating contractor to properly balance your registers.