This winter, you can keep cozy inside – and enjoy smart energy savings – by making sure your heating system is running at maximum efficiency. Here are a few simple steps you can take:
- Change your heating system’s air filter. A dirty air filter reduces your home’s air quality and the airflow through your HVAC system. Changing or cleaning the filter once a month will not only give you fresher air and prolong the life of your HVAC system, but it will save you money.
- Have your heating system inspected at least once a year. HVAC technicians can keep your system operating properly and efficiently. Annual inspections help you save energy, help your heating system live a longer life and prevent emergency problems from developing in the dead of winter. If your system needs replaced, be sure to have it properly installed. According to ENERGY STAR®, improper installation can reduce the efficiency of your system by up to 30%, costing you more on your utility bills.
- Use the “auto” setting on your thermostat. This will make sure your HVAC system only turns on when your indoor temperature drops below a certain temperature. Having the fan push air through your home all day and night wastes energy and adds to the wear and tear on your system.
- Upgrade your home’s insulation. In a well-insulated home, less heat escapes in the winter and less cool air escapes in the summer. That means you stay comfortable and reduce the amount of energy you use. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs by adding insulation and sealing cracks and openings.
HEAT PUMPS DON’T WORK WHEN OUTSIDE TEMP IS OVER 30 DEGREES. They can’t produce enough heat. Not meant for the Northeast only the South. I was scammed in NJ to take a $10,000 10 yr. interest free loan to install a system in a retirement home with baseboard electric heat. Total scam and the State of NJ back it. Now I live in PA and I’m still paying off that great NJ backed loan deal. Further more, the electric companies raised prices every winter to compensate for deceased air conditioning usage. This screwed the retirees with electric heat with NO recourse. Buyer Beware, Amen
I just bought a new furnace & ac system. I also have all electric heat, I read your article on this it said you don’t need the fan on, when they set it up my ac turns on when my heater comes on, it has always been that way since I lived here, so this fan shouldn’t be on?
Good Morning Eileen, Please check with the HVAC Contractor or the Furnace Manufacturer for the answer regarding the fan. These systems are all engineered differently so there is not a generalized answer. Thank you!