It’s finally the fall season, and the best part is everything pumpkin-spiced. The second best part is being able to enjoy open windows, and fresh, cooling breeze in the early part of the season. But with freezing winter temperatures are around the corner, it will soon be time to flip the switch on our heating system.
Here are five simple ways we can improve our comfort and boost the efficiency of our heating system without spending a fortune.
1. Replace or Clean Furnace Filters Monthly
During the peak of the heating season, filters should be replaced or cleaned more often than we think. Set up an alarm on your phone to remind you to do this once a month. Clean filters improve heat circulation throughout our home more efficiently and lengthen the life of our heating system.
2. Reverse the Direction of Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans do more than keeping us fresh during the summer. In the fall and winter, set your fan to spin clockwise. Warm air gets absorbed up and bounces off the ceiling and back down to the ground, similar to how a convection oven operates. The effect is a cozy feeling from the more excellent distribution of heat.
3. Remove Window Air Conditioners
The window air conditioners can be a headache to install, so it’s tempting just to leave window AC units in year round. However, keeping them in our windows means a higher chance of energy leaks and drafts. If you are persistent on keeping them in, you can use caulk to seal gaps while wrapping the unit with an insulated jacket.
4. Keep Fireplace Flue Sealed When Not In Use
Nothing beats the mood of a fire glowing and crackling on a crisp fall night in our Oregon, Washington, and Nevada homes. But when the flame is out, ensure that we close the flue to keep the warm air in our place from going up the chimney.
5. Program the Thermostat
Set the thermostat to prepare for the change of season. Spending 10 minutes programming our thermostat can help us save as much as 10 percent on heating costs. Reduce the temperature by 7-10 degrees while you’re away to get the most energy savings. For even more convenience and remote control, consider installing a Programmable or Smart Thermostat which has Wi-Fi enabled feature.
To make a more significant impact on the efficiency of our heating system and even lower our bills more, it’s worth looking into improving the insulation and air sealing needs of our home. Also, having an annual maintenance on our heating system can hugely save us from emergency breakdowns and repairs.
Or perhaps it’s already time to replace your old heating system and want to install a new one. In that case, contact Einstein Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling for a professional advice on what heating system best fits your home and we’ll also help you install it correctly. Reach us today at 888-671-7767 or email [email protected] for more information about our professional heating & cooling, plumbing, water heater, and sewer & mainline services throughout the Northwest Oregon, Western Washington, and Nevada.