With winter’s grip tightening, you need to be sure that your heating system can keep up with the high demand for warmth and comfort. Here are key preventative steps you need to take to optimize performance, reduce energy costs, and extend the life span of your system in Idaho.
Heating System Re-Commissioning
The first step to an energy-efficient home is confirming that your system is tailored to your specific needs. This process is known as HVAC commissioning. It can be done multiple times throughout the life span of your heating system, starting from the initial installation.
Consider calling a professional to re-commission your system to determine if it still operates according to the original design. This process usually involves verifying airflow, checking and calibrating controls, inspecting ductwork, and confirming that all components are functioning correctly. They will also account for any new heating needs you may have. If your system cannot meet your current heating demands, they will recommend a better, more energy-efficient system.
Program Your Thermostat for Winter
You can save money on energy bills by programming your thermostat for the cold weather. This means setting your temperatures at low but comfortable levels.
If you plan to be away, set your temperatures between 55 and 60°F. This range is enough to prevent your pipes from freezing and makes it much easier to bring your place back up to a comfortable level when you return.
When at home, the best average house temperature for the cold weather is 68°F. This heat level will give you a nice balance between comfort and energy efficiency.
Investing in a smart thermostat will help you control your indoor temperature better. It can learn your heating patterns and automatically adjust the temperatures on the days you forget to do so yourself.
A smart thermostat also allows for remote control. This means you can adjust your garage or basement temperatures when at work. Moreover, these gadgets provide weekly and monthly energy reports, showing areas of wastage and what you can do to improve efficiency going forward.
Clean and Seal Your Ductwork
Ductwork accounts for 25% to 40% of heating energy loss in a home. When it is poorly insulated or leaking, most heat will escape to unconditioned areas such as the attic or crawlspaces. This will make your HVAC system work harder to ensure your rooms are conditioned to your targeted temperatures, consuming twice as much energy.
The case is similar when your ducts are not clean. Dirt, dust, mold, and even rodents can restrict airflow through your system and to your rooms, forcing the fan to spin harder to pull and push air.
Consider hiring a professional to clean, seal, and insulate your ductwork. These activities require specialized equipment and expertise to be done correctly.
Change or Wash Your Air Filters
Air filters get dirty faster in winter, which means you may have to change them at least twice during this cold season. This is because winter air is dry, generating static electricity that attracts many particles. Also, since your windows and doors are almost always closed, every airborne particle produced in your home and those brought from outside become trapped inside.
Over time, these particles clog the air filters, restricting airflow. Your system will struggle to pull air through blocked filters, consuming excessive energy as a result. Additionally, the reduced airflow can create negative pressure within the ducts, resulting in a “sucking” effect that may cause cracks to develop. Again, this will lead to further energy wastage through the loss of conditioned air through the leaks.
When changing air filters, be sure to get the same type and size. Every heating system has a specific recommended filter type for optimal performance. If you use a HEPA filter for a system rated for pleated filters with a MERV rating of 8 to 9, it can hinder airflow and reduce your system’s efficiency.
Regarding size, air filters must snugly fit in their slots to efficiently trap airborne particles. Check the outgoing filter frame to see the required dimensions. If unsure, refer to your system’s manual or consult a professional to ensure you’re using the correct filter.
If you have reusable filters, vacuum and wash them while examining for any wear and tear. After a thorough cleaning, ensure they are completely dry before reinstalling them to prevent mold and mildew growth.
Schedule Professional Tune-Up
A heating tune-up is different from re-commissioning. A tune-up involves cleaning and making necessary adjustments to your system to make it as efficient and effective as possible. A professional HVAC technician will catch minor issues and correct them before they escalate into costly damages. For example, they will lubricate fan motor bearings, reducing friction that could lead to high energy consumption and overheating issues.
Make Some Heating Upgrades
Besides a smart thermostat, consider investing in duct dampers, whole-house humidifiers, or a new, energy-efficient system. Duct dampers are devices that can help improve energy efficiency by allowing you to control airflow in every section of your house. For example, if you have a storage area or guest room that you are not currently using, you can direct conditioned air away from these spaces and focus it on the main living areas.
A whole-house humidifier can also be a valuable upgrade. Air with moisture retains heat for longer than dry winter air. By dispensing moisture, a humidifier makes it much easier for your heating system to keep your rooms warm, hence lowering energy consumption.
If your heating system is older than 15 years, its wear and tear is too great to offer efficient heating. Even with frequent maintenance, it can’t match a new system’s energy-saving capabilities. The recently revised federal standards for newly manufactured HVAC systems mandate higher energy efficiency ratings, reduced emissions, and improved performance.
Other Helpful Tips to Enhance Energy Efficiency
There are other strategies that can help keep your heating system running efficiently during winter. They include the following.
Installing a Ceiling Fan
Installing and running your ceiling fans clockwise can cut your energy bills by approximately 15% during winter. They do this by redistributing warm air that usually floats near the ceiling down to occupied areas of the house. Your thermostat will register consistently warm ambient temperature, reducing the need to constantly turn up the heat.
The ceiling fan will also help circulate air within the room. This will allow your heating system to operate more effectively, keeping your home warm, cozy, and energy efficient.
Insulate Your Home
Poor insulation and drafts rob your home of warm air from your heating system. Even if your system is new and efficient, it will struggle to compensate for the lost heat, consuming a lot of energy as a result.
The common areas that allow hot air to seep out include entry points for your pipes and cables, crawl spaces, attic, basement, kitchen vents, windows and doors. A professional HVAC technician can help seal these gaps and bolster insulation around your home.
Contact Magic Electric, Plumbing, Heating + Air for More Information
If you live in the Magic Valley or Treasure Valley, ID, call Magic Electric, Plumbing, Heating + Air for professional tips on improving your energy efficiency. Our highly trained and experienced experts can repair, upgrade, and maintain your heating system and home to be more energy efficient. We can also help with other services such as plumbing and electrical system tune-ups as well as home safety device installation and inspection.
Call Magic Electric, Plumbing, Heating + Air today to enhance heating efficiency in your home during this winter.
