With winter around the corner, every homeowner is busy preparing their house for the cold season, such as getting furnace repair performed. People that live in a country have to spend more on home heating, and the right furnace installation is not the only solution to make your home more comfortable in the winter.
Even with the right heating system people often find their home not warm enough, which can be a really miserable experience in the winter. When heating is inefficient it also results in expensive utility bills.
All around the world there is now an increased focus on energy efficiency. You can achieve the same with your home’s heating system in these five simple ways.
1. Replace furnace filters
If you have a central furnace at your house, how warm and comfortable your house remains in winter is dependent on that system. That is why before every winter have your furnace filters checked. Furnace filters often get clogged, reducing air flow, making the system work harder, and consuming more energy.
If clogged filters are not replaced it can also damage the compressor. It is recommended that the filters be replaced every three months when the furnace is in constant use.
Furnace filters are inexpensive and also easily available. If you are not confident about replacing them by yourself you can utilize the help of furnace installation experts.
2. Improve furnace efficiency
Making your furnace work more efficiently will also reduce energy consumption. This can be done by having the furnace serviced regularly, when in and not in use.
The area surrounding the furnace should be clean, and nothing should be leaning against the furnace. The pipes, vents, and flutes should be free from obstructions.
The furnace vent system must be checked at least once a year, the pilot light should be turned off during summer (or whenever the furnace isn’t in use), and if the furnace has a fan belt, it must be inspected for leaks and cracks, and replaced if necessary.
3. Lower water heater temperatures
An important component of home heating is the water heater, which comes preset at 140 degrees. This temperature is more than what is required in a small household, consuming excess energy.
If you have a decent water supply and a small household, consider lowering the thermostat to 120 or 130 degrees. Each degree that you lower the temperature not only saves energy but also reduces pollution.
4. Choose a programmable thermostat
The temperature on a regular thermostat cannot usually be programmed. But if you buy a programmable thermostat, you can easily turn down the heating when you don’t need it or turn it higher when it’s too cold. Keeping the thermostat lower on days that aren’t very cold saves energy by up to 30 percent.
5. Insulate your house
If your home has proper insulation, you can save a ton of money on heating and furnace installation. For starters, make sure there are no drafts in the doors and windows, because that is a major cause of poor insulation. You can also use drapes and blinds and insulated glass to trap heat and keep the cold out.