It is a great feeling to be able to enjoy a warm home on a cold day. However, knowing that your energy bills are going to be through the roof simply from running your heater kind of takes away some of the enjoyment. Thankfully, there are ways to avoid this.
First of all, scheduling regular heating system maintenance each year will help to ensure that your system keeps up an optimal level of efficiency. Beyond this, there are certainly some best practices that you can and should adopt to get the best level of efficiency from your system.
Let’s explore some of the habits that you can start to use on a regular basis this season for the best level of efficiency and effectiveness from your heater.
Change the air filter
People underestimate the importance of their air filter often. This simple part of your system keeps dirt and debris out of your heater but does need to be changed regularly to ensure it isn’t hindering airflow into the system. Make sure to check and change your air filter every three months at maximum.
Keeps doors and windows closed
Everyone loves a breath of fresh air now and then. However, when it is cold outside it is not the time to crack a window or open the door. Make sure to keep doors and windows closed while the heater is running or else you will end up paying more money for less warmth.
Address any air leaks in the home
Do you notice a chill when you walk by certain doors or windows in your home? If so, now is a great time to investigate. If you have air leaks around doors or windows you should address them as quickly as possible. They can have a bigger impact on your heater’s efficiency level than you might realize.
Adopt a cooler thermostat setting
We know this one can sound strange but hear us out. Setting the temperature on your thermostat to a slightly lower number can help you save a lot of energy. For example, if you usually have your thermostat set to about 72°F on a cold day, it would be a great idea to shift it down to 68°F. You may need to wear an extra sweater during the day but this will help you use a lot less energy without leaving you shivering.
Use the sunlight … when it shows up
Last but certainly not least, when the sun decides to show up, make sure to let it in! Even a few hours of sunlight coming through the windows can help increase the indoor temperature in your home and decrease the amount of work your heater has to do.
As always, make sure to schedule your heating services with a professional team and your heater should be able to do its job efficiently and effectively for a good long while.
Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment! We will take care of you from there! For help with your heating in Portland, make sure to contact The Clean Air Act for your expert services.