Winter is often the time of year homeowners get the most usage out of their HVAC systems. With cooler temperatures becoming a daily reality and snow often on the forecast, it’s important to ensure your HVAC system is working properly and efficiently throughout the winter season. To avoid the stress of a lagging HVAC system, there are a few ways homeowners can proactively enhance the quality of the home’s heating system, from adjusting your thermostats’ settings to calling in the professionals when needed.
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Adjust your thermostat’s settings
Just a few degrees could save you money on your monthly heating bill! By adjusting your thermostat’s temperature by just a few degrees, particularly in the evening time, your energy bill could decrease by as much as 13%!
Further, it’s important to use your thermostat’s programmable settings to ensure your HVAC system isn’t running constantly, adding unnecessary costs to your monthly heating bill. Observe your family’s general schedule and set your thermostat accordingly. Everyone home by 6 PM on the weekdays? Set your thermostat to lower than usual throughout the day and then to warm up prior to your family’s arrival home.
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Check for drafts
Heat is expensive, so make sure your home is keeping your well-earned heat where you want it most: inside!
To start, be sure to check that your chimney flue is closed. An open flue in a well-insulated house can raise overall energy consumption by up to 30%.
Next, double-check the efficiency of your windows and doors and make small alterations, such as adding weather stripping, to avoid unnecessary drafts.
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Adjust your ceiling fans
During the winter months, it is recommended to set your ceiling fans on low and spin counter clockwise, forcing warmer air downwards. In the warmer months, adjust your fans to spin clockwise. While this may feel like a minor change, when a ceiling fan spins clockwise it can make a room feel 10 degrees cooler and uses 10 percent of the energy of a central air conditioner.
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Adapt behaviors
There are small behavioral changes you can make that have an impact on your HVAC system.
For example, overusing exhaust fans can waste the warm or cool air your HVAC system is producing. By only using exhaust fans when necessary, you can avoid wasting heat or A/C.
Or, leaving your front door open for too long can cause heat to escape from your living areas. Invite guests inside or leave groceries on the front porch and bring them in all at once.
By being mindful of how everyday behaviors may impact your HVAC system, you may save yourself a little extra money on your next heating bill.
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Don’t forget your annual tune-up!
HVAC tune-ups are critical in keeping your system working efficiently and properly. An annual inspection and maintenance extend the longevity of your unit, limiting the need for costly repairs and replacement before the average 15-30 years life-span expectancy for a furnace and boiler. An HVAC technician will ensure each component of your system is working properly and troubleshoot any issues, ensuring your heating unit is operating smoothly throughout the year.
Each time you reach for the thermostat, it’s important to remember that a little bit of planning can go a long way to ensure your boiler continues to function properly throughout this winter season. If you are concerned about the efficiency, safety, or functionality of your heating equipment, remember that Genove Oil is always here to help.
To schedule your annual inspection, reach out to us here.
If your question isn’t answered here, contact the friendly team at Genove Oil & Air, and we’ll find a solution for your home or business.
Whatever your needs are – from home heating oil or Bioheat delivery to installation and service of oil & natural gas systems for HVAC, heating, and cooling — we’re here to help! Call us directly at 781-893-919.
