It’s official: Fall is here. As the pumpkin-spice everything starts appearing, the temperatures are dipping in Central Maine. The A/C is off, and we’re all gearing up to get our heating equipment going. Here are five ways to keep your costs down and keep your heating system running as efficiently as possible—for as long as possible.
Cost Saving Efficiency Tips
Schedule your tune-up. If you haven’t already set up your tune-up add it to your to-do list for today. Preventive heating system maintenance is the single best way to keep your equipment running smoothly and efficiently, from one month to the next. Once your furnace or boiler is tuned up, you’ll be set for the season. And with the added efficiency of a well-cared-for system, your bills will be lower. If you have a heating oil service plan, your tune-up is already paid for—plus you get better prices or full coverage on repairs. With a propane service plan, you get a discount on repairs. All service plans include priority service.
Seal the doors and windows in your home. Cut back on air leaks and increase your family’s comfort throughout the season with the help of some caulk, door sweeps and door seals. You’ll save in the long run, and these few minutes of work will be well worth your small investment.
Clean and clear the vents throughout your Maine home. For maximum efficiency, make a point to wipe off your vents. You also want to keep debris and even dust out of your heating ducts. Furniture, toys, rugs or really anything that may block airflow can also reduce the level of your heating system’s performance, so be sure to move all of those kinds of items out of the way.
Put your ceiling fans to work. In any room where you have a ceiling fan, reverse the direction of the fan. Basically, you want the fan to push the rising warm air to back into the room. (Your manual or the fan company’s website should have details on how to do this.)
Install—and use—a programmable thermostat. With a thermostat that allows you to “set it and forget it,” you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing that your temperature will be adjusted when you’re out or when everyone is asleep. You’ll save 10% or more on heating bills, and this will help with your cooling bills in the summer as well.
