Your heating system has a tough job. The job gets even tougher if your home, like many, is poorly armed against winter’s chill. This increases the load on the system and can lead to worn parts, higher energy bills and decreased home comfort. By lowering the heating load, your furnace and your whole household benefits. Here are steps to take.
Winterize Your Home
By winterizing your home, you will reduce the amount of heat that escapes and your home will stay warmer. This means your furnace won’t have to work as much to maintain a comfortable climate.
To reduce the heating load by winterizing, make sure to do the following:
Seal Drafts: Air leaks anywhere in the home’s envelope allow valuable heat to flow outward as heated air always flows towards a cooler environment. Common areas for drafts include windows, external doors, and baseboards, but don’t forget to seal ductwork, entrances for pipes or wiring coming into the home and around electrical outlets.
Add Insulation: Have your attic and wall insulation inspected by a professional to make sure it is in good shape and of sufficient quantity for optimal energy efficiency. Insulation is a thermal barrier. This means it prevents heat from escaping the home in winter or entering the home in hot months. Inadequate insulation allows heat to transfer from the home through the walls and attic, which leaves the home colder.
While you’re at it, don’t forget to insulate your ductwork. Leaks in ducts within unconditioned spaces, such as a cold crawlspace or garage, lead to less heated air flowing into your home where it belongs. This keeps temperatures lower and causes more work for your furnace.
Upgrade Your Thermostat
Keeping your thermostat set high creates unnecessary strain on your furnace. A programmable thermostat helps by allowing you to preset specific temperatures for different times. For example, you can program it to keep the house cooler during the day and warmer in the evening when you are home from work.
For more ways to lower the heating load on your furnace, please contact us at Ace Hardware Home Services.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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