Tips For Optimizing Your Heating System for Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

Before winter arrives, ensure your heating system is running as efficiently as possible. An efficient heating system not only keeps your home comfortable but also helps reduce heating costs.

We have compiled a list of things you can do to improve the efficiency of your heating system. Follow these tips to save money, decrease your environmental impact, and ensure your heating system isn’t forced to go into overdrive to keep your house warm this winter.

Use a Programmable Thermostat

Are you still using a manual thermostat? Now is the right time to switch to a programmable one. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts your heating system according to a pre-set schedule. By decreasing the temperature when you’re away or asleep, you can considerably reduce energy usage, and consequently your heating expenses.

*Pro tip: By setting your thermostat back by about 10 degrees at night while you sleep or during the day when you’re away from home, you can easily cut down your heating cost by 10 percent.

Seal Your Ductwork

Your ductwork is an integral component of your heating system. It circulates conditioned air from your furnace or heat pump throughout your home.

You might not pay much attention to it when your home feels comfortable and warm during winter. However, normal wear and tear over the years can damage ductwork. These damages can lead to significant energy losses. It is estimated that the average home loses 20 to 30 percent of the heat generated by the HVAC used by the household due to leaky ducts.

You can use metal tape or mastic sealant to seal the leaks in your ductwork. If the ductwork is in unconditioned areas, adding insulation can greatly reduce the loss of conditioned air, further improving the energy efficiency of your heating system.

Replace Your Air Filter Regularly

Your heating system’s air filter prevents dust, dirt, and debris from entering your living spaces. Since air filters trap these particles with each air cycle, they can become clogged relatively quickly, especially during periods of heavy usage.

Clogged/dirty air filters are the number one cause of airflow problems and can force heating systems to work longer and harder. An overworked heating system is less efficient, costs more to run, runs into problems frequently, and may need to be replaced sooner than expected.

To maintain the efficiency of your heating system, change its air filter every one to three months. If someone in your home has a seasonal or dust allergy, you will want to replace your filter sooner.

Schedule Professional Maintenance

Before winter arrives, have a professional inspect and maintain your heating system. Professional maintenance addresses existing problems and prevents potential future issues. A professional has received extensive training and acquired specialized knowledge. With their accumulated experience, they can accurately diagnose heating system issues and address them before they snowball into major, costly problems.

What is Included in Professional Heating System Maintenance?

During a maintenance session:

➢ Your contractor changes the filter
➢ Lubricates all moving parts
➢ Tests system controls and thermostat to check if they’re working properly
➢ Tightens all electrical connections
➢ Inspects the condensate drain pan and assembly and cleans them if required

If your heater is acting up and you believe it has run into a problem, schedule heater repair in Roseville as soon as possible.

Seal Air Leaks

Air leaks around windows, doors, and openings in your home can lead to drafts and force your heating system to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. To prevent heat loss and improve heating efficiency, seal any air leaks using weatherstripping or caulking.

Insulate Your Home

To retain heat and minimize heat loss, insulate your home. By insulating your walls, attic, and floors, you can effectively prevent heat from escaping, thereby reducing the burden on your heating system. This leads to substantial energy savings and enhances overall comfort levels within your living spaces.

Make Sure Vents and Radiators Are Free From Obstructions

Avoid blocking vents and radiators with furniture, carpets, or any other objects. Blocked vents and radiators can impede airflow and negatively affect the efficiency of your heating system. To keep your heating system working optimally, keep vents and radiators clear and unobstructed.

Keep Curtains and Blinds Closed At Night

Drawing curtains and blinds at night is a great way to insulate your windows and prevent heat loss. Less heat loss reduces strain on your heating system and improves heating efficiency.

Use Zone Heating to Your Advantage

A multi-zone HVAC divides your home into multiple temperature zones, each controlled by a separate thermostat. If you have a multi-zone system, make the most of it by selectively heating only the areas of your home that are being used. To avoid wasting energy to heat unoccupied living spaces, close vents or adjust thermostats in unused rooms.

Keep Vents and Radiators Clean

Dust and debris can accumulate on your vents and radiators over time. Unclean radiators and vents can cause airflow problems. Clean your vents and radiators regularly to maintain proper airflow and ensure optimal heating system performance.

*Bonus tip: Many people forget to close their chimney dampers after a fireside chat. Leaving the damper open can result in heat and air escaping through the chimney. Be sure to securely close the damper after using your fireplace.

At South Placer Heating and Air, we are committed to helping you get the most out of your heating and cooling systems. Our technicians have years of experience installing, servicing, and repairing different kinds of heating and cooling systems. To learn more, call 916-246-2089.