The holidays aren’t here quite yet, but with Black Friday right around the corner, the shopping is soon to begin. If you’re going to be out joining in the fun, or hey even if you have a budget you want to keep in control this time of the year, then you definitely don’t want to be spending more money than necessary on your furnace usage.
“Yeah, so, should I just not use my furnace?”
Let’s face it, that’s not really an option with our winters—and it doesn’t have to be! There are a number of things you can do that cost nothing, in order to boost your heater efficiency and keep some of that money in your wallet for yourself. So, what can you do?
Open Your Curtains During the Day!
Opening your curtains on south-facing windows is a terrific way to bring in free heat into your household. The radiant heat from the sun can do a lot to warm your home. Sure, in the dead of winter it won’t be enough to turn off your heater, but it will help you turn the thermostat down a few degrees, meaning your heater won’t have to run as long.
Just a note—don’t forget to close those curtains at night!
Take Advantages of Ceiling Fans
If you have ceiling fans in your home, you likely already know that in the summertime, you can use them to better distribute the air coming from your cooling system, allowing for more effective and efficient AC use.
But did you know the same concept applies to your forced-air heater with nothing more than a flip of a switch? There’s a switch on your ceiling fan that allows you to reverse the direction of the fan blades, distributing the heated air more effectively. Like the above-mentioned tip, this means you can turn your thermostat down, saving energy.
Use a Programmable Thermostat
Setting the right temperature is important. Just by lowering your temperature by 10-15 degrees at night or when you aren’t home, could actually save you hundreds on annual heating costs. A programmable thermostat, versus an old manual slider thermostat, allows you to create a heating program based around your own personal schedule.
Check and Swap Out Air Filters
If your furnace or heat pump air filter gets too clogged up with dirt and debris, then the airflow will be restricted. This causes your system to work harder in order to circulate heated air through your living space. Changing your air filter every 1-3 months is an effective way to maintain optimal efficiency.
Schedule Maintenance!
If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to schedule your furnace maintenance. During this service, our technicians thoroughly inspect your system for anything that needs adjusting, while checking for repair needs. We also comprehensively clean the unit too, allowing for the most efficient operation. This service can help fend off up to 85% of the repairs your heating system will never need throughout its lifespan—therefore saving you in the long run.
Contact Sound Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. today for expert furnace service in Kent, WA! We take your comfort as serious as you do.