Safety and Energy Efficiency Tips for the Heating Season

With energy bills skyrocketing in recent years, the need to save energy has become more important than ever. Additionally, saving energy is beneficial on a global scale, as the world faces dwindling energy resources.

Our Service Team has compiled the following tips to keep your family warm and safe this winter, while saving a little green…for your family’s budget, and for our planet!

• First and Foremost, have your furnace serviced annually by a qualified contractor to ensure safety and maximum energy efficiency.
• Replace or Clean furnace filters monthly. Dirty filters, coils and fans reduce airflow throughout the system, which decreases performance and can damage your system.
• Check ducts for air leaks. Look for sections that should be joined, but have separated, then look for obvious holes. Seal leaky ducts with mastic, metal backed tape or aerosol sealant.
• Set your thermostat between 65 and 68 degrees during the day when the home is occupied. For sleep hours, set the temperature at least 5 degrees cooler. When away from home for more than a few hours, set your thermostat at 58 degrees.
• Consider a programmable thermostat and set it accurately to follow your schedule. Ask us about a Honeywell Vision Pro.
• Use kitchen, bath and other ventilating fans wisely. In just one hour, these fans can pull out a houseful of heated air.
• Make sure supply and return vents are not blocked by furniture, rugs or drapes so that air can flow freely. This maximizes efficiency of the system and helps distribute warm air throughout the home.
• A humidifier can help control heating costs. You’ll feel warmer in moist air, so you can set your thermostat lower.
  Open inside doors to improve air circulation and system efficiency. Unoccupied and isolated rooms can be closed.
• Keep drapes & shades open on south-facing windows to allow sunlight to enter your home; close them at night to reduce the chill from cold windows.
• Consider a new high efficiency furnace. Today’s high efficiency equipment can save you as much as 60% on your utility bill. Additionally, many utility companies are offering rebates and incentives for upgrading your home’s heating system.
• Do not store or use combustible materials such as paper, chemicals, paint, rags or cleaning products near your gas furnace.
• Ensure that there is a free flow of air to the furnace. Keep the area immediately around your furnace clear by removing any obstructions.
• Do not hang clothing, blankets, laundry or other items from the flu pipe.
• Do not use your gas log fireplace to try and heat your home. Use them only for decorative purposes, and only sparingly in very cold weather.
• As you “tighten up” your home for energy efficiency, it is important to install a carbon monoxide detector for added safety!