5 Ways to Improve your Heating System’s Efficiency

As the cold winter approaches the Newport News and Poquoson area, reliability of your heating system and the cost of your heating bills becomes more important. If you are worried about high heating bills, use these 5 steps to save money and increase the efficiency of your heating system.

Check Your Filter

Your furnace filter removes particles in the air that can be harmful to your furnace and the air you breathe. It is best to change or clean your filter every 1-6 months, depending on the type of filter you have. If your filter is clogged, the buildup restricts the airflow to your furnace and causes it to work harder than necessary, decreasing the efficiency.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

The accuracy of today’s programmable thermostats help keep your system running efficiently because they allow you to program the thermostat to adjust the temperature based on your schedule and display the actual temperature of the room instead of an approximate. You can schedule your thermostat to be slightly warmer when you’re home, cooler when you leave and warm again by the time you return home. To save the most energy while using your thermostat, do not adjust more than 4 degrees.

Tune Up Your Heating System

Annual heating tune ups are as vital as having your car’s oil changed. Heating system inspections or tune ups can allow for a qualified technician to ensure your system is running safely, comfortably and efficiently, while extending the life of your system. Not having your heating system inspected or tuned up every year will eventually lead to costly and preventable breakdowns when you need the heat most.

Adjust your Ventilation Dampers

Sometimes, minor adjustments in your duct system or ventilation system can help increase the comfort level throughout multiple rooms in your home. A certified heating technician can adjust the dampers to the right degree for proper air flow. If you have dampers, making minor adjustments can redirect warm air toward a cooler room from a warmer one. This saves you money by increasing your furnace’s efficiency and your comfort by heating your home to even temperatures and eliminating frustrating hot and cold spots.

Inspect Your Air Ducts

Improperly sealed. worn out and old ducts can affect the air flow throughout your home and you could be losing warm air to the attic or crawlspace. When you have a leak, the heater runs longer to heat your home and the attic or crawlspace (depending on the location of your duct system). Once the leaks are sealed, the heater only runs long enough to heat your home (not the attic or crawlspace). A sealed duct system allows for a more efficient heating system, saving you more money by reducing your bills. A trained heating technician can inspect your duct system for any leaks and professionally seal them.

Still experiencing heating issues or inefficiency?

Your unit may be improperly sized or inefficient due to age. The energy savings on a newer, more efficient furnace that is sized properly is significant and can pay for itself overtime.

Contact Atlantic Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning for prompt and professional Heating System services at 757-838-1036.