Heating System Maintenance
Thermostats:
- For every degree you set back your thermostat (either to a cooler temperature in the winter or a warmer one in the summer), you should see about a 2% savings on your energy bill.
- Set your thermostat back a few degrees at night. Ideal sleeping temperature is between 60 and 67 degrees. Time to get out those cozy blankets!
Filters:
- Furnaces all have filters which help keep debris and dust out of the system.
- A clean filter will increase air flow, reduce your energy bill, and can even lengthen the life of your fan motor.
- There are various levels of filters, in a wide range of prices, that you can choose from.
- Inspect your filters monthly to make sure they are clear and clean. If not, replace.
- There are three main types of filters: Disposable, Washable, & Electrostatic. See below for more information on how each of these gets cleaned or replaced.
Vents:
- In a forced air system, you will have vents in the floor, ceiling, or walls that the warm air comes from.
- Keep vents closed in rooms you don’t use. Do not close vents if you have a heat pump!
Inspections:
- Gas-fired equipment should be checked annually
- Oil burners should be inspected and cleaned annually
Daily Maintenance:
- Keep baseboards, registers, and radiators clean and clear. Do not allow rugs, carpet, drapes or furniture to block them.
- Make sure carpets and rugs are not too close to baseboard heaters. The area beneath these elements need to be clear so air can circulate through them.
- Keep south-facing curtains, drapes and blinds open during the day to let sunlight in.
- Close these same window treatments at night.
- Turn off ventilating fans in the bathroom and kitchen once they are no longer needed.
sources: peco.com and sleep.org
