For most homeowners, winter HVAC preparation goals are twofold. They want to stay warm in the upcoming winter, and they want to do so at the lowest possible cost. To achieve these goals, use the following home heating tips. Taking these simple steps will help keep your HVAC system running smoothly and efficiently and reduce your utility bills during the winter months:
- Switch it up: Does your home feature ceiling fans? Did you know they work in reverse, too? Most ceiling fans have a reverse setting to be used in the winter. The blades will spin clockwise, which will draw heat down from the ceiling to help keep warm air inside the home and heat it more effectively.
- Insulate Fido’s door: If you have a pet door, this can be a significant source of heat loss. While you don’t want to close it off entirely and keep your furry friend trapped inside, you can add weatherstripping around the door. Another helpful insulation tip is to hang a heavy curtain on either side of the door.
- Welcome the sunshine: Be strategic with your windows. Open the curtains/blinds on the west and south sides of your home during the day to invite the sunshine in and help warm your interior. If you have solar shade screens on the windows, store these away until the spring.
- Don’t exhaust your heat: One of the little-known home heating tips involves the bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans. Running these for even an hour can cause a significant loss of heat inside the home. Try to avoid using these fans or minimize the amount of time they are used.
- Take advantage of baking time: If you use the oven, make use of the heat it generates. Once you’ve finished cooking and have turned off the oven, leave the oven door open to allow the remaining heat to help warm your kitchen.
- Keep it steady: While you may want to avoid heating the home while it’s empty, don’t turn the heat off when you leave. You should also avoid turning the heat too low at night. Adjusting the unit more than seven degrees causes the HVAC system to work harder since it has to reheat the surroundings.
- Let the technology work for you: Using a programmable thermostat is among the most effective home heating tips. This device can automatically adjust the temperature for you while you are away or asleep. You can significantly decrease your energy consumption and save money, and you don’t even have to remember to adjust the thermostat.
- Inspect and maintain: Key to winter HVAC preparation is professional service. Contact your local HVAC experts to service your system each fall. This will keep your system running smoothly and efficiently and uncover any potential problems before they become major issues.
- Snoop out drafts: Put on your detective hat and grab a small candle. A tea light or stick of incense will work, too. Hold the candle and “trace” your way around all door jambs, vents and windows to detect any drafts by watching for a flicker of the flame or blowing of the smoke. Use weatherstripping, foam sealant or silicone caulking to seal up any drafts you find.
Partner with the pros
What’s our top tip? Partner with the pros! To complete your winter HVAC preparation, contact the experts at Rapids Plumbing & Heating Inc. We’ve been the area’s trusted source for HVAC services since 1982. Reach us today at 218-326-0073 for a free estimate.