When the cold winter weather settles in, having a reliable heating system is a must for your home comfort and safety. If you are like most homeowners, you want to do everything possible to maximize both your comfort and your system’s efficiency. Below, we share some of our best tips on how to improve comfort and efficiency going into this winter season.
Get a Heater Tune-Up
One of the best things you can do to support strong performance and comfort from your heating system is to schedule annual maintenance service. During this service, one of our heating technicians will thoroughly inspect, lubricate, clean, and test the major components of your heating system.
We will be able to identify and address defective components and verify that your system is operating both safely and efficiently. Regular professional maintenance is recommended by many manufacturers and can help you meet warranty requirements where applicable. It also goes a long way toward ensuring reliable operation throughout the winter months.
Replace Your Filter Regularly
One component of your heating system that can have a big impact on its ability to keep your home comfortable is its filter. When your filter is clean and in good condition, your system can move air more easily and operate efficiently. However, if your furnace filter is dirty, it can restrict airflow throughout your ducting and keep your home feeling uncomfortably cold. We suggest checking your furnace filter once a month and replacing it whenever necessary.
Keep Vents and Registers Clear
The performance of your heater and your overall comfort depend on having open vents and registers. If these areas are blocked, such as by furniture or a rug, hot air cannot properly reach those rooms. This can lead to uneven heating throughout your home. Blocking vents and registers can also affect the static pressure in your ducting, which may put unnecessary strain on your heating system.
Seal Up Air Drafts
Air drafts can form on your home’s exterior walls over time due to home settling and the natural expansion and contraction of building materials. Anywhere that cold outside air can draft into your home, it will leave your rooms feeling uncomfortably cold. Your heating system will work harder trying to keep up with the constant temperature loss.
Sealing up those air drafts with materials such as spray foam, caulking, or weatherstripping is best. Do not forget to check your light switches and outlets on exterior walls. You can use foam insert pads that sit behind the cover plate to help seal these areas and reduce cold air infiltration.
Clean and Seal Ducting
If you rely on a forced air heating system, then the condition of your ducting can play a big part in your overall comfort. If there are air gaps or leaks in your ducting, the hot air your heater produces can escape into wall and floor cavities instead of reaching your living spaces. Additionally, if there is a buildup of dust, hair, or other debris inside your air ducts, it can contribute to airflow problems.
This can reduce the efficiency of your furnace and its ability to deliver warm air evenly throughout your home. Investing in duct sealing services and, when appropriate, duct cleaning can help reduce heat loss and airflow issues. When your ducting is in good condition, you can feel more confident that your system will operate efficiently to keep you comfortable all winter long.
Use a Smart Thermostat
One of the best investments you can make to optimize your heating system is a smart thermostat. This type of thermostat allows you to program different temperatures to maximize comfort and efficiency throughout the day. For example, you can set your thermostat to 72 degrees when you are at home relaxing in the evening.
Then, you can have the temperature decrease to 68 degrees just before you head off to bed. This can encourage better comfort for sleep while reducing unnecessary strain on your heating system. Smart thermostats come with many other helpful features, such as geofencing technology. This uses the GPS location on your smartphone to automatically adjust your home’s temperature.
For example, it can turn the temperature down when you are not at home to reduce energy consumption. Then, it can increase the temperature when you are on your way back home. This way, your home is nice and comfortable when you arrive, while still helping you save energy.
Consider Zoning
If you constantly struggle with uneven heating in your home, you could potentially benefit from upgrading to a zoned heating system. For example, if you live in a two-story home where the downstairs seems to be consistently colder than the upstairs, that is often the natural effect of heat rising.
When you opt for a zoned heating system, you can put the upstairs on one zone and the downstairs on another. Each zone will have its own thermostat that reads the temperature in its particular area. Whenever the downstairs reads cooler than your desired temperature setting, your heater will turn on.
If the upstairs is still at or above your desired temperature, the dampers for the upstairs zone will close. This means the warm air your heating system produces will be directed primarily to the downstairs. This can create more even comfort throughout your entire home and help reduce hot and cold spots.
Get Prompt Repair Service
As a homeowner, you always want to stay aware of the performance of your heating system. Anytime you notice something out of the norm, it is best to call us for prompt repair services. This could include odd noises, a new smell when your heater is running, or a change in how quickly your home heats. Even subtle signs can indicate furnace issues that may reduce system efficiency. An inefficient heating system will struggle to keep up with your wintertime comfort needs and can increase your energy bills.
Upgrade Aging Equipment
If your existing heating system is over 20 years old, it is likely not operating as efficiently as it once did and may be less efficient than current models on the market. All heating systems experience some decline in performance and efficiency as they age. Fortunately, upgrading to a new unit can lead to better system efficiency, improved comfort, and more reliable operation. We suggest looking for energy-efficient units with a high AFUE rating that meets or exceeds current efficiency standards.
Bonus Comfort Tips
One simple way to increase your comfort while helping your heating system work more efficiently is to use ceiling fans. By placing these fans in your living room, kitchen, bedrooms, and other key areas, you can recirculate warm air in your home. As hot air rises, your ceiling fan should spin in a clockwise direction on low speed to gently move that air outward and back down toward the floor.
Natural sunlight can also provide free heat for your home. It is best to open curtains and blinds on sun-facing windows during the daytime hours to let direct sunlight warm your rooms. For every degree that natural sunlight can warm your home, your heating system may need to run a little less, which can support energy savings over the season.
Expert Furnace Maintenance Service
Childers Air Plumbing & Electric offers expert furnace maintenance service for the Beckley, WV area. We can also assist with all your furnace installation, replacement, and repair needs. Simply phone our office today to book your next service appointment with one of our skilled heating system technicians.
