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Especially during the colder months of the year, the bigger part of the energy bill goes to the heating system. This is because, in those chilly days and freezing nights, you can’t help but crank the heat up. Nonetheless, many homeowners end up spending alarmingly huge amounts on heating bills for the lack of information about taking care of their heating systems.
In many cases, you will find that the unit is malfunctioning, dirty, or old and needs a replacement. Poor maintenance and the lack of prompt repairs can also render your heating system inefficient. To deal with these and other irregularities, here are some tips on how to easily improve your heating system at home.
1. Schedule a Preventative Maintenance Service
Just like most other mechanical equipment, an HVAC unit needs regular servicing to ensure that everything is running as it should. If you have a combined heating and cooling unit, the folks at https://armstrongairinc.com/locations/tampa-fl/ recommend having preventive maintenance inspections done by an experienced technician at least twice a year. One of the inspections should be done around fall to ensure your heating unit is ready for the cold season.
If damages or issues are detected from the inspection, the experts will recommend and perform the appropriate repairs to improve the performance and efficiency of your heating system. They will also calibrate the system, check fluid levels, and clean sensitive parts. While at it, any safety issues can also be detected and solutions sought before they develop into hazards.
2. Bleed the Radiator
If there are air bubbles trapped in your system, your home may not warm properly. This can be very frustrating if it happens on a chilly winter night. The presence of air bubbles inhibits water circulation. This leads to the radiator not having enough heat hence a cold room. If you experience this, consider bleeding the radiator.
However, you should first check for other underlying issues. Possible issues may include:
- The boiler power is off
- Leaks in both the boiler and the radiator – You will know there is leakage if you see rust or water underneath them.
If you do the bleeding without first fixing these problems, it will not be of any advantage. It is important to remember that uneven heating in the home increases bills and can lead to dampness and mold.
3. Replace Air Filters
As long as the air is circulating freely in the house, most people tend to forget to change their filters. This simple mistake could be what is causing heating problems. When the furnace air filter is clogged with dust or debris, it prevents free circulation of air. This causes the furnace to work harder to push the air out, which can harm the system and reduce energy efficiency. To improve heating system performance, replace air filters occasionally.
4. Use a Smart Thermostat
If you do not have one, then this is an investment you should consider. A programmable thermostat allows you to set the temperatures of your household as you deem fit. You can set different heating schedules based on time and days. Even when you are out of the house, you get to maintain the temperature at preferred degrees. This ensures efficiency. Currently, a smart thermostat can be controlled via a phone. This means you can always check and adjust the temperatures of your home no matter where you are. Also, you get to choose what room to heat, at what time, and by how many degrees. How amazing is this?
5. Insulate Your Home
Good insulation helps to reduce heat loss from your home. When there are gaps for air to escape, the system works extra to maintain an optimal balance. Therefore, seal all the possible areas that can lead to this. These include; attics, cracks on the water system, drafts in doors and windows, and any other relevant gaps in your home. One of the advantages of home insulation includes enhanced thermal performance, which translates to increased comfort. It also leads to lower bills in the long run since the cost of heating and cooling will be much lower.
6. Opt For a New Heating Unit
You could also be experiencing heating problems perhaps because your system is giving out. This can be due to old age and how well you maintained it. If it has been in operation for more than 10 years without proper care, you may have a reason to hit the market for a new one. To avoid being overwhelmed by the many varieties available, it is ideal to confirm with a heating service in camp hill, or where ever you life, to find, fix, or replace your system properly. Also, ensure you buy from well-known brands since these assure you of quality and durability. It may be an expensive investment at first, but the saved utility cost will be worth it.
Improving your heating system is not a difficult task. It requires you to be keen on various aspects of your home and make wise decisions. The above few tips can help you achieve a well-heated home without spending too much on your heating bills.
