Winter Heating Tips
Winter is upon us! Here are a few quick tips to help heat your home more efficiently and lower heating costs:
- During the winter, for systems other than heat pumps, set your thermostat at 68°F or lower during the day and 65°F at night. If you have a heat pump, do not use lower temperature settings at night unless you have a programmable thermostat specifically for a heat pump.
- For better control of your heating and cooling systems, install a programmable thermostat. If you have a heat pump, make sure you select a programmable thermostat designed specifically for heat pumps.
- Check filters on hot-air heating systems, air conditioning units and heat pumps monthly and clean or replace when needed.
- Check and adjust individual registers throughout your home to improve flow of heated air. Make sure window coverings, furniture or carpets don't block vents, cold air returns or radiators.
- Keep heat-producing appliances (like television sets and lamps away from your thermostat - the heat from them can raise the temperature on your thermostat and heat or cool your home unnecessarily.
- Consider installing a humidifier if your home is dry in the winter. This will help you feel warmer at lower temperature settings - keep the humidity level between 35-40%.
- Clean registers and returns regularly by vacuuming and/or dusting.
- Keep the outdoor unit (heat pump and air conditioner) clear of obstructions including snow.
- Caulk around windows and doors to stop air leaks and check caulk yearly to ensure it is in good condition.
- In the winter, close window coverings at night to keep out the cold and open them during the day to let in the sun as a natural heat source.
- Avoid using your fireplace during extremely cold weather because you lose more heat through the chimney than you gain from the fire.