Want to be even better prepared the next time your heating system is due for maintenance? Unfortunately, most people don’t worry about their HVAC unit until it’s time to have the system maintained.
However, staying on top of your unit’s inner workings and knowing even the most basic things about your heating system (yes, including where the vents are!) can help you when it’s time for repairs or inspections.
Which Heating Distribution System do You Have?
In today’s market, there are plenty of options for homeowners when it comes to heating systems. Whether you own a forced-air system or a radiator distribution system, it can be easy to get the right help for your unit when you know which one you have.
Boiler: This radiator distribution system sends hot water or steam through pipes, thereby causing the radiating heat. Although they can be more expensive to install and run, these units bring benefits like zoned heating.- Furnace: The most common heating system throughout the U.S., this forced-air system (which is typically powered with gas) pushes air through a series of ducts that distributes the air throughout the home.
- Ductless Mini-split A/Cs: A ductless mini-split unit is ideal if you want to have control over the temperature in separate rooms. This system can really help you optimize your energy spending.
Stay well informed and up to date on your heating system so you can identify problems, and solutions, sooner!
Want to Control The Air Flow in a Room? Don’t Close Vents!
If you have a whole-home heater and a room you barely use receiving that heat, you might figure the best way to improve energy expenditure would be to close the vent in that room to allow the rest of the home to be more efficiently heated.
While closing the vent in a particular way may seem like the best option for decreasing the air flow in that room, doing this may actually cause more problems in the long run. The room in your home have supply and return vents.
Closing the supply vent (the return vent cannot be closed) in a room will create pressure because then the return vent will need to pull air from any source. This means that you’ll actually be spending more energy and more money because the return vent will need to work harder to pull it from sources like windows or doors. The ideal way to have better-controlled air flow in a room would be to invest in a system such as a mini-split that would let you control the air in individual rooms.
Save Money on Your Heating Costs!
Sometimes the smallest changes can have the biggest impact on your energy spending. When you’re getting ready to blast that heater during the winter, make sure you have a pro technician conduct a tune-up to ensure the system is working properly.
Get an energy audit done on your home to find out how well the system is working! nd whether there are any changes that you need to make. Minor things you can do yourself include changing the filter as often as needed to ensure the system runs smoothly.
You can also turn down the thermostat by just a couple of degrees when you’re out of the house or sleeping. And finally, turn those ceiling fans on in reverse! Because hot air rises, putting them in reverse will push the hot air back down ensuring the temperature stays warmer for longer.
Stay Prepared During The Winter!
Enjoy the most wonderful time of the year in unparalleled comfort by keeping your heating unit working properly. Share these tips and tricks with your friends so they can do the same, and now whenever you decide to visit them, their home will be as comfortable as yours!
