WINTER HEATING TIPS
Heating season is coming and that sometimes means higher utility bills. Sometimes the first utility bill after your turn on your heater or furnace for winter can be shocking. There are a lot of things you can do to help offset your heating and energy costs during the winter months. These will allow you to maintain the heat that is already in your home and help avoid costly energy to escape your home.
ONE OF EASIEST HEATING TIPS: On sunny days, open the windows and let the sun shine in. Adjust your blinds so they are open and tilted toward the ceiling — but be sure to close the blinds after the sun goes down.
EXHAUST FANS: Don’t lose your heated air through your exhaust fans. Use them for only short periods of time and turn them off when not in use during the colder climate. They will pull the heated air out of your house. These fans can also cause a negative pressure inside your home that can cause back drafts to your fireplace and drafts through the walls, windows and uninsulated outlets in your home.
CEILING FANS: Set your ceiling fans in reverse, on low. When the radiant heat enters your home from the windows aimed upward, the fan will help circulate warm air all around the room.
HUMIDITY: Homes become very dry during the winter-time. During the cold weather, increased use of your heater causes the home and its interior air to become dryer than usual. A humidifier can help add needed moisture to your home during winter. Humidifiers can also improve health issues like dry sinuses, while saving energy. Since moist air holds heat, you may feel more comfortable and lower your normal heat setting due to the increased comfort. Be sure to maintain your humdifier properly, whether it is a portable or whole house humidifier, consult the manufacturer for instructions on care. It’s always a good rule of thumb to clean or replace the filters regularly and wash the base of the reservoir.
FIREPLACES: Using heat from a fire place is a good source but can also waste a lot of energy as it’s pulled out of the chimney. Make sure your damper is closed when you are not using your fireplace. Installing glass doors can also help heat in your home when your fireplace is not in use.
ATTIC AND ROOF INSULATION: One great thing to check is your ducts in the attic and other spaces. Making sure they are fitted properly and are well insulated are two easy things you can do that may save you money and restrict heat loss. You can lose up to 60 percent of heat before the heat actually reaches the vents if your duct work is not connected or properly insulated. Innovative spray foam does a better job of sealing off all leaky openings. Anytime you make home improvements, you should consult with a professional who has the proper equipment and training to ensure it is being done correctly.
REPLACING WINDOWS: Replace single-pane windows with double-pane glass. If you live in very hot or very cold weather, investing in super-insulated windows with triple panes consisting of argon between panes. Fit tight seals around the edges of the panes that consist of argon between the panes. This replacement window type provides a lot of warmth if you have a really cold winter season. Window replacement is a great way to ensure you are saving energy.
BLOCK OUTSIDE LEAKS: Seal off outside leaks with the use of weather resistant caulking. Masonry sealer is the best insulation for brick areas of your home and is a great product that is not compromised by freezing and thawing winter weather. Don’t overlook small cracks, seal it to prevent the cold air from getting inside your home. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, be sure to consult a professional.
The best defense is have your system maintained year round. Having your equipment serviced by a reputable company once a year could reduce your heating bill and prevent expensive repairs and replacement in the future.
One of the best is to get a regular HVAC inspection and an HVAC Tune-Up. It includes an inspection of your overall safety of the system, thermostat calibration, inspection and cleaning of the air handler/blower, filter inspection ad cleaning, inspection of wiring and connections, identifying hot and cold spots in your home and gauging electrical systems for proper amp draw.
It’s time to check your system. Call us today at 843.236.7142 for a $70 HVAC inspection today.
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Academy HVAC / Bell Brothers