TIPS HAVING A INEXPENSIVE HEATING THIS WINTER

Heating and cooling consume considerable energy, but both are necessary. Fortunately, you determine how much energy you spend on the services. Below are some tips to help you enjoy affordable heating this season.

Embrace Layering

You might be tempted to turn up the thermostat if you feel cold. Turning up the thermostat increases the heater’s energy demands. Fortunately, you can put on layers of clothes and feel warmer without increasing the thermostat temperature.

When you put on multiple clothes, each layer traps air around your body. Since air is a poor conductor of heat, the layers manage to trap your body heat. The trapped heat means you do not need much external heating to keep warm.

Let in the Sun

You can also use heat from the sun to reduce your heating system’s load. Open up the drapes whenever your area experiences periods of sunshine. Solar heating is especially effective if your home’s orientation has your windows facing the sun. Do not forget to close the drapes when the sun goes down to trap heat inside the house.

Service the Heater

Whichever heating system you use, you must maintain and service it to maintain heating efficiency. A malfunctioning heating system will draw more energy than usual to keep your house warm. The necessary maintenance depends on the heating system. For example, for a furnace, you should:

• Replace the filters as necessary
• Ensure the pilot light is clean and burning bright
• Clean the system to encourage air circulation and avoid overheating
• Clear the drainage tube

Besides, you should give the furnace an annual tune-up or maintenance from a professional technician. Schedule the major service just before the cold season starts for maximum benefits.

Heat for the Occasion

Do not set your thermostat once and ignore it for the rest of the cold season. Match your house temperature for the occasion. For example, you can lower the temperature if:

• You are out of the house (for example, when you are at work)
• You are sleeping
• You are going for a vacation

A smart or programmable thermostat can help you match the temperature to the occasion.

Ensure Proper Air Circulation

Air circulation and heating efficiency go hand in hand. Warm air from the heating system needs to get into every part of the house for your house to be uniformly warm. Otherwise, some parts of the house might feel colder than other parts. Such uneven heating might tempt you to turn on the thermostat and waste energy.

Use these few tips to ensure adequate air circulation:

• Ensure the air filter is clean.
• Ensure nothing is blocking the air registers or vents.
• Ensure the vents and registers are clear and structurally sound.

You can also use a ceiling fan to help circulate air in the house. If you had used the fan during the warm season, reverse the fan’s direction so that it blows air down. Since warm air rises, reversing the fan will help force the warm air downward.

Ensure Adequate Insulation

Lastly, you should ensure the adequacy of your house’s insulation. Deteriorated insulation will allow heat to escape from the house. The heating system will then have to work extra hard to replace the lost heat, wasting energy in the process. Do not forget to seal air leaks around chimneys, doors, windows, and recessed lights.

Carrano Air HVAC Contractors, Inc, can help you install, service, and repair your heating system. Let us take care of your heating system before the cold season begins to enable you to enjoy comfortable temperatures throughout the season. Contact us for a quote on any heating service you need.