Winter is still here, and your home’s heating system may be working over-time to keep your family warm and toasty.
This is the time of year to have your heating system professionally examined to ensure the safety of your home and loved ones. A thorough inspection and tune-up by a technician will uncover any potential hazards or failing components and will help to keep your heating system running at peak performance all season long.
Whether your home has a heat pump system or furnace, it is always best to leave all repairs to a qualified technician. There are, however, a few steps you can take on your own. One of the easiest heating maintenance regimens to follow is to clean or change your filters and do so regularly. If you have a furnace, there should be nothing combustible kept too close to it. You can also check to make sure any exhausts vents are clear of any debris.
Energy Star offers the following additional tips for heat pumps, which are the most efficient form of electric heating in moderate climates. Because they move heat rather than generate heat, heat pumps can provide equivalent space conditioning at as little as one quarter of the cost of operating conventional heating or cooling appliances.
A heat pump does double duty as a central air conditioner by collecting the heat inside your house and pumping it outside.
Heat Pump Tips:
- Do not set back the heat pump’s thermostat manually if it causes the electric-resistance heating to turn on. This type of heating, which is often used as a back-up to the heat pump, is more expensive.
- Install or have a professional install a programmable thermostat with multi-stage functions suitable for a heat pump.
- Clean or change filters once a month or as needed, and maintain the system according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Long-Term Savings Tip
If you heat your home with electricity and live in a moderate climate, consider an energy-efficient heat pump system to reduce your energy consumption.
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