Cutting Home Energy Costs
Cutting Home Energy Costs
Our Tip Of the Week will be a 3 part series on things you can do to save money on your heating costs this winter.
This week, we will focus on the heating system.
Now is the time to have your heating system checked for proper and efficient operation. Don't wait until it is really cold. Most HVAC contactors will be busy servicing units that have failed, probably do to lack of proper maintenance. (vicious circle isn‘t it?)
Your HVAC contractor should check the following: the heating unit for proper operation. Then make any adjustments as needed. They should check all piping, electrical and ductwork at the unit itself. You might want to request in advance that they check every duct connection for leaks and tears in the duct insulation as this task can take more time than a normal preventive service call. This is where the majority of systems lose heated and cooled air, along with drawing air from unconditioned areas like the attic or crawlspace into the system and house. Duct work in most homes built before 1999 is coupled and terminated using duct tape and wire ties. Newer homes' duct work should be sealed with mastic at all joints, seams, and terminations including all duct boots at ceilings and floors.
You can check for leaks yourself if you don't mind crawling around in dirt and insulation.(don't fall through the ceiling!) Here is what you need to check for leaks: something that provides smoke for a long period of time like incense or a cigar (the latter serves two purposes), a roll of tape and a roll of orange survey tape. Turn the fan switch to fan on at the thermostat, now check each supply and return connection in your duct system. When you find a leak, tie or secure a piece of survey tape at the leak, you can return later to seal the leak. Don't forget to check under the registers. There should not be any gaps between the sub floor and ceiling duct boots. Sealing the leaks in the system can be achieved by applying mastic or mesh tape and mastic for large gaps. Mastic for duct work is available at most hardware stores. You may want to identify the leaks and let your HVAC contractor make the repairs.
How about furnace filters? Do you check or change your filters monthly? We recommend pleated filters. They cost about $3.00 per filter compared to the $1.00 cheapy that only stop rocks and small pets from passing through. You should also vacuum the return grill and filter housing when you change the filter. Regular filter maintenance not only saves you money, its also better for your health.
Now lets talk about thermostats. If your home is unoccupied during the day, you could save a substantial amount of money by installing a programmable thermostat. There are many kinds of programmable thermostats available, but I believe in simplicity. 2 to 4 changes a day are sufficient for most homes. Set the thermostat to a lower temp when you leave for the day, then set the temp to rise before you return home. Repeat this at bedtime and before you rise. So add another blanket and sleep better in the cooler, less dry air.
We think these tasks will help you save money and conserve energy for our future.