subject: Preparing Your Heating System for the Winter [print this page] Preparing Your Heating System for the Winter
Even as the leaves begin to fall and winter starts to creep in, the average homeowner prepares himself for a huge hit to his monthly savings, courtesy elevated electricity bills. In order to ensure a comfortable environment inside the house, heating systems are a necessity in several parts of the country. Although such systems can make you relaxed during the winter, they can create considerable anxiety once the electricity bills start pouring in.
Heating systems occupy great amounts of electricity. Fortunately, we can utilize the fall season to prepare for harsh winters. Preparation means having the precise tools and accurate facts on how to save during the winter season. Here are some tips that will support you make ready you're heating systems for the winter.
Fireplace
Getting the fireplace ready for use means big savings. Fall is the prime time to clear and repair the fireplace. Make sure that the dumper is tightly packed as small gaps could let the warm air out and allow the cold air in. If the fireplace is in use, turn down the heater. This will support you save about 8% on heating costs and provide breaks for the heating units.
Furnace
The furnace will occupy additional electricity if the filter is dirty. This means energy wastage as the furnace consumes more power as compared to the service it provides. To keep away from this, clean the filter often. The user's manual will supervise you on cleaning the filters. Cleaner filters let you breath cleaner air within the house.
Ducts
Small leaks on heating ducts will produce problems for your heating system. thus, make sure that they are frequently checked. Ducts can be insulated by wrapping them in R-6 or higher-order fiberglass. Cloth-backed wraps should be avoided. You may also wrap them in UL-approved plastic and metallic tapes or mastic sealants. Sealed and secured ducts will save you up to 30% in heating costs.
Solar heat
You don't need solar panels on your roofs to trap sunlight. All you require to do is to open the drapes during the day and heat your rooms without electricity. Close them at night to keep the warm air in. Openings
Openings on your windows, doors, sills and joints will let the warm air go out and let the cold air in, causing elevated use of the heating system. Make absolute that these openings are clogged with sealants or weather-stripping.
Heating system
A centralized heating system or a programmable thermostat system allows you save to on the heating costs. The programmable system lets you set the desired room temperature for a distinct duration of time. This is really effectual if you are leaving your house or going off to sleep. The centralized heating system gives you total control of the temperatures in each room. These two let you decide the duration and the temperature of the rooms. It is noteworthy to note that a centigrade lower on the heating system will allow you to save about 5% on heating costs.
By implementing the above ideas, you can make winters less troubling for your wallet.
