The Green Way To Heat Your Home This St. Paddy’s Day!
Everybody celebrates Saint Patrick’s Day their way. Some get dressed up in green and have a raucous time out on the town, while others stay home and cook up some corned beef and cabbage for a relaxing night in. Some like to celebrate in a somewhat more unconventional way - by finding ways to make their homes “greener.” That is, making them more eco-friendly.
One of the best ways to do this is to improve the efficiency of the home’s heating system. Not only can this help out the environment by reducing energy consumption, but it can also save homeowners a nice little pot of gold every month. Keep reading to discover three simple tips for a more energy-efficient central heater!
Put the Ceiling Fans To Use
If the blades are rotating counterclockwise (when viewed from below), it pushes air straight down, creating a cooling breeze effect. When they spin clockwise, they spread air out across the ceiling and down the walls, redistributing it into the room below. And since heat naturally rises, the warm air that would otherwise be stuck near the ceiling will be brought back down, making the room feel warmer. However, using a slow fan setting is crucial, as too high of a speed can produce a breeze and have the opposite effect.
This can allow homeowners to reduce the temperature on their thermostats by a few degrees without sacrificing comfort, saving energy, and utilizing the central heating system’s output more effectively.
Replace the Air Filters
Another great tactic for saving energy is to keep up with general furnace maintenance - starting with air filter replacement. Though it may not seem like it, a dirty, dust-clogged air filter can severely hinder the heater’s performance and efficiency. The main reason for this has to do with airflow. If dust and debris are clogging up the pores in the filter media, the unit won’t be able to pull air through the return vent as effectively.
This limits the amount of warm air the unit can deliver and causes the unit to work harder, eating up more energy for less output. The strain this places on the blower motor and other key components can also leave homeowners without heat and in need of furnace repair. For these reasons, replacing the filters regularly (before they get too dirty) is one of the best things homeowners can do to save money and reduce energy waste. A good rule of thumb for most homes is to replace the filters every 3 months.
Upgrade To a Smart Thermostat
A third way to help improve heating efficiency is to install a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats are loaded with features designed to help save energy and make managing the home’s comfort levels easier in general.
Even the most basic models allow users to control the temperature and schedule from their smartphone or mobile devices. Many smart thermostats track energy consumption and offer tips for improving efficiency. Some have occupancy sensors to prevent needlessly heating an empty home. Some models even “learn” usage patterns and automatically create an energy-saving schedule accordingly.
Installing a smart thermostat can save homeowners an estimated 10-20% on their heating and cooling costs, depending on the model and how well it’s optimized. This, combined with the other strategies, can have homeowners rolling in the green this St. Patrick’s Day - and all year round!
About Central Heating
Central Heating has been proudly serving the Hawkestone, ON community for years. Their licensed, insured, and background-checked technicians always arrive on time in fully stocked trucks and leave every home better than they found it. They offer up-front pricing, personalized solutions, and unbeatable service, so call them today for heater maintenance and repair!
