When it comes to heating in Spokane, WA, you need a system that will perform as effectively and efficiently as possible. Considering that most of our year is cool, you don’t want to be stuck without a fully functioning heating system in place. You also don’t want to be stuck paying for much higher energy bills than you should be. One way to ensure this isn’t the case is by scheduling annual maintenance for your heater, which we hope you did in the fall. Another way is by following up on repair needs ASAP.
We have some good news, too. Boosting your heating efficiency doesn’t just require you to invest in what can be costly HVAC services. There are simple things you can do around the house to boost that efficiency (and therefore, the cost effectiveness) of your heater. Keep reading to learn more!
Consider Upgrading Your Thermostat
This may be a small component to your HVAC system, but it has a big job. It’s basically the “brain” of your heater. It communicates with your heating system, as well as your air conditioner, and if it is malfunctioning in anyway way, it might not be giving accurate instructions to your HVAC system and therefore could be costing you. A thermostat can malfunction for a couple of reasons. It might be miscalibrated, or it could even be that it’s simply outdated and unable to perform as it once did.
You may be surprised by just how much you’re overpaying for not only poor heating efficiency but inadequate cooling as well, when summer rolls back around—all because of your thermostat.
Use Weatherstripping
The heat from your furnace or heat pump can escape through cracks in your doors and windows, however small that might be. This means you’re losing energy that you are still paying for. It’s a good idea to invest in weatherstripping to seal off these drafty windows and doors, and to ensure that the heat in your home stays there.
Use Your Ceiling Fans!
This is not a well known trick, but it’s a great one! Sure, you already know you can use your ceiling fans in the summer to create a better movement of air to help your cooling system work more efficiently, but did you know you can apply that same concept to your forced-air heating system?
There is a switch on your ceiling fan that will reverse the direction of the blades, which pushes down heated air from the ceiling for faster distribution of warmth from your heater. This means you’ll be able to turn your thermostat down, and therefore will save energy.
Don’t Skip Maintenance
We mentioned this briefly above, but its importance really can’t be underestimated. During your heating maintenance appointment, our professionals will fully inspect your heater for any possible repair needs, make needed adjustments to components, and thoroughly clean the entire system—all of which helps your heater work as efficiently as it is designed to.
ACI Northwest is here to help with your home comfort needs or concerns. Please do not hesitate to contact us for helpful advice.