Small Changes Can Lead To Greater Energy Savings This Winter

Apparently the average household in North America spends more than $2

,200 every year on energy and around half this money is spent on heating and cooling the property. However there are several things most homeowners can do to help improve the efficiency of their furnace or boiler, which should lead to energy savings. This has to be a worthwhile consideration, especially as energy prices are currently quite high, and most people simply don't have the money to waste in this way. So how can you stay warmer this winter for less money? The first thing to consider is whether or not your heating system is adequately maintained. If you neglected to book your fall furnace tune up this year as a way of saving money, then just pause and think for a moment as this decision could end up costing you more.

Maintaining Heat Pumps, Furnaces and Boilers

A neglected and dirty home heating system is far more likely to be inefficient and to fail, as all heating systems need regular routine maintenance. This includes regular filter changes, as a clean filter will prevent dirt and dust from building up in the system. Most filters need to be checked on a monthly basis, especially during the winter months when more heating is required. This is obviously something you can do yourself, and it does pay to get into a regular routine.

Getting a Proper Maintenance Check from a Qualified HVAC Technician

However, having a proper maintenance check from a qualified technician is one of the most important things you can do to keep your system in tip top condition. They'll be able to check if your thermostat settings are correct, and that the heating turns on and off at the preprogrammed temperatures. They'll also be looking to ensure all the electrical connections are tight, and will measure the voltage and current on motors to ensure they are operating properly and safely. Your technician will lubricate the moving parts, as lack of lubrication will create excess friction, causing equipment to fail much earlier. They'll also inspect any condensation drains and will make sure they aren't blocked as this could affect the humidity levels in the home. If neglected this could lead to bacteria and mold developing.

Additional Maintenance for Your HVAC System

Additional maintenance for your HVAC system can include things such as checking that the ducts are clear and free from dirt and dust, and arranging for duct cleaning if necessary. Your technician will also be able to check to make sure the ducts don't have any leaks or holes, and that they are properly connected. A poorly maintained or leaky duct system can lead to higher energy bills, and it's often more difficult to keep the home comfortable no matter how hard the heating system is working. There are ducts often concealed in walls and ceilings and access to them can be quite tricky, so it's something that is often left to professionals. It may also pay to look at the thermostats of your system and to replace them if necessary with programmable thermostats. It is estimated that a properly programmed thermostat could give around $180 every year in energy savings.

by: Jerry Brockman

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