Turning the thermostat way up doesn’t insure optimal comfort through your home. Though, you can be sure you’ll have higher energy bills. So, you may be wondering what you’re supposed to do to reach optimal home comfort when the mercury drops in Dayton. The answers are fairly simple and practical. Here’s what to know about comfort, efficiency and safety this winter.
Indoor air quality
Indoor air quality affects the health and safety of you and your loved ones. So, these tips are important:
- CO/Smoke detectors: Test your CO and smoke detectors. If they operate by batteries, put fresh ones in each season.
- Furnace filter: Change your furnace filter monthly. You’ll keep indoor air cleaner, reduce energy usage and save some wear on your furnace.
- Gas appliances: Gas appliances should be inspected and serviced each year — including your furnace.
- Air cleaners: Whole-home air cleaners attached to the HVAC system help maintain more healthful indoor air.
Upgrade Your Thermostat
It may not seem like it much of the time, but your thermostat is your friend. You just need the right kind. Install a thermostat that may be programed for automatic temperature changes to match your lifestyle. Take indoor environmental control a notch higher with a WiFi thermostat to give you remote access and management to your home comfort.
Air Balancing
Balanced airflow through your home is required to maintain optimal comfort.
- Vents: Keep vents and return grilles clean and free of obstructions.
- Ducts: Your ducts substantially hinder or help your home comfort, safety and energy-saving efforts. Schedule an inspection.
- Doors: Keep interior doors open to allow free airflow from all air vents to return grilles.
Envelope Sealing
The envelope of your home consists of all the materials that separates the conditioned spaces from unconditioned spaces. Leaks and heat/gain loss between these spaces defeat your home energy efforts.
- Sealing: Use caulk and weatherstripping to seal leaky windows, walls and doors.
- Insulation: Insulate your attic up to R-60.
- Window treatments: Shutters, panels and heavy drapes help curb heat gain/loss through glass.
For assistance reaching optimal home comfort, reach out to Ace Hardware Home Services today!
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
