Heating
Simple ways to make your heating system run more efficiently
- Pay attention to the thermostat. Keeping the temperature a few degrees cooler can lower your heating bill and you can still be comfortable. It's a matter of personal preference, but setting your thermostat to 68°F can help you save energy. Consider installing a programmable thermostat to set the thermostat back automatically at night and while you're away from home during the day.
- Seal heating ducts and insulate ducts that run through unheated spaces.
- Check forced-air furnace filters regularly, and clean or replace them as often as once each month during the heating season. Shake reusable filters outside or spray them with a garden hose. Be sure they're dry before replacing them.
- Drapes can add an extra layer of insulation to windows. Blinds also can insulate, but they aren't as effective. Keep your drapes closed at night and on sunny days, open the drapes and blinds to let in the sun's free heat, especially on the south side.
- Don't block registers, baseboards, radiators or cold air returns. Air must circulate through and around them for maximum efficiency.
- If you are installing a new system, consider shopping for a heat pump to increase energy efficiency. Heat pumps both heat in winter and cool in summer, all in one unit. Look for the Energy Guide label that contains the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio), which measures efficiency during the cooling season. Also look at the HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) that measures energy efficiency during the heating season. Look for 7.2 HSPF and 12 SEER or higher.
