We’ve all been there – a cold month where the heater runs non-stop. The bill is twice as high as usual, and everyone in the house is shivering all night long. You wonder if there is any way you can help your heater be more efficient. There are a few different ways you can help your beloved heater out, and here are our top five.
Insulation, Insulation, Insulation
Make sure your home is well insulated against both heat and cold. This plays a vital role in your furnace running at peak operating performance. Have your insulation checked by a professional, and topped up if necessary. Spending just a little bit on insulation can save you a lot on your heating and cooling costs down the line.
Keep The Cold Out
We don’t often think about cold seeping into the house, but it gets inside through old weather stripping in door frames or caulking in windows that’s worn down. Go through your house and stand at each door or window that faces the outside and feel if the cold is seeping in. If it is, you may need to re-caulk or re-weather strip the door. It’s an inexpensive fix that can save you a bunch.
Clean Your Air Filters
Most air filters are recommended to be cleaned every three months, and for good reason. Dirt, dust, and dander get trapped in the filter, making it difficult for air to pass through, so the furnace has to work harder and consume more energy to do its job. Change your air filters on a regular basis to keep your energy consumption and cost down.
Reduce Heat Loss From Your Fireplace
The fireplace is a sneaky way your house can lose heat, but it’s a quick fix. Close the damper inside your fireplace to seal the exit and you’ll prevent heat from escaping. This will lower your heater’s overall energy output and save you money.
Install Energy Efficient Windows
We’ve come a long way with energy efficient windows, and the newest models will save you quite a bit of money on your heating costs. They are a bit of an investment, but one that will pay for themselves in their energy savings. You furnace will thank you, and so will your wallet!
Think about these energy saving tips the next time you turn your heater on, and contact us to have your furnace professionally tuned up to make sure it is running at peak performance during its most critical moments.