Arizona

Central heat efficiency

How to Boost Central Heat Efficiency This Winter

Old, outdated heating systems are inefficient. An aging system might not sufficiently heat your home—worse still, it might be costing you extra money to stay warm during winter. 

Maximizing Central Heating Efficiency

How can homeowners get the most efficiency out of their central heating systems? Here are some tips: 

Optimize Your Thermostat

Set your thermostat to the lowest above-freezing temperature that you’re comfortable with. When you’re asleep or not home, go even lower to a setting that you’re comfortable waking up to or coming home to. 

Check Your Filters Often

Check your filters regularly. Ideally, clean or replace them monthly. 

Make Sure Your Vents Aren’t Blocked

Take a look at your furniture arrangement—are you unintentionally blocking the airflow from your vents? 

Avoid putting any pieces of furniture, carpeting, or decorations in front of or on top of the vents. Doing so prevents the warm air from spreading through the room, resulting in the need to crank up the thermostat extra high. 

Use Your Curtains Wisely

Your south-facing windows are the ones that can bring in the most heat. Open up curtains on those windows during the daytime to allow sunlight in. At night, close everything up securely to keep the cold out. 

Install a Smart Thermostat

Modern programmable thermostats can be set to automatically run at certain temperatures and at different time intervals throughout the day. 

Better yet, you can find a smart thermostat with smartphone app integration. Then, manage your heating system from anywhere—that way you’ll avoid heating the house more than you need to while you’re out, while also having the temperature right where you need it when you come home. 

Seal Your Windows

When your windows aren’t properly equipped to face the elements, cold air sneaks in and warm air slips out. By sealing your windows, you can trap more warm air in the house for longer. That allows for less frequent use of your central heating system. 

If you’re interested in sealing your windows, here are a few of your options: 

Plastic Window Insulation

Purchase a plastic window insulation film kit from your local hardware store. These kits provide a cheap, simple, and effective insulation improvement.

Cut the sheet so that it covers the window with an extra five-inch clearance on all sides. Place the sheet against the frame from top to bottom and tape it in place. Then heat the entire window with a blow dryer to smooth out any wrinkles. 

Recaulking

Caulking windows is a great way to prevent air leakage. First, remove any old caulk, make any needed repairs to the frame, and clean the surfaces. Then run your new bead of caulk around the window seam. 

Caulking is simple, but there are some key do’s and dont’s. For example, there are indoor caulks and outdoor caulks, so it’s important to check the label. However, with a bit of research before getting started, caulking windows is an accessible DIY project for many homeowners. 

Weather Stripping

Weather stripping is another simple way to seal up windows. Cut pieces to match the length of your window and press them down against the frame. Pay special attention to cover any gaps. 

If your windows are already sealed with old caulk or weatherstripping, inspect the seams to make sure that they’re still effective. 

Draft Stopper

A draft stopper is a stuffed cloth tube. Lay them along the bottom of doors and windows as a quick fix for preventing cold air from getting in. 

Thermal Curtains

Thermal curtains improve window insulation by trapping cold air between the window and the curtains. These curtains use extra thick and layered fabric made from materials like cotton, polyester, or microfiber. 

Efficient Central Heating Solutions For Idaho Homeowners

There are lots of ways to gain minor efficiency improvements here and there from your central heat system. Of course, what’s most important is the efficiency of your heating system itself. 

A modern and well-maintained central heating system gives you greater control over indoor air quality, more reliable service, and lower utility bills. 

Advanced Heating & Cooling provides service for all your HVAC needs, including heat system installation, repair, and maintenance. To learn more about central heating services in the Boise, Idaho region, contact us anytime. 

 

Share:

Scroll to Top