Whether or not you prefer the warmer, summer weather, winter is on its way. Soon, the sunshine will be replaced with ice and snow. You will move much of your entertainment and relaxation indoors. You will rely on the heat of your home to warm you and relax you. Because you will rely so much on a well working heat boiler, now is the time to prepare for the cold weather to come.
Schedule a furnace inspection
A furnace inspection ensures that everything is working properly with your furnace. It ensures that you will have sufficient heat when the temperatures drop. It will also reduce the chance that you will be left with no heat on an extremely cold day. According to some HVAC experts, up to 75% of no heat calls in the winter are related to a lack of maintenance. By scheduling your furnace inspection now, you can receive the HVAC maintenance you need and prevent one of those no heat calls.
Make any necessary furnace repairs
It is possible that your furnace will still work, even with needed heating repairs. However, it will not work as efficiently. It may not get as warm and it can turn on and off. It is also possible that your energy bills will significantly increase because the heat boiler is required to work at a greater degree. Even minimal furnace problems such as duct leakage can greatly impact a furnaces ability to fully heat your home. Duct leakage can sap 20% to 40% of the energy out of even a well operating air conditioner or boiler. You will find that even making necessary AC repairs can also increase the furnace efficiency in your home.
Upgrade the efficiency of your home
The fall is the perfect time to make preparations and to upgrade the efficiency of your home. You can upgrade the energy efficiency of your home by upgrading your boiler or AC unit. An energy efficient home produces more heat and at a lower cost. Despite having to pay for upgraded appliances and an HVAC system, you will notice a significant decrease in your home utility costs. Furnaces with AFUE ratings between 90% and 95% are considered high efficiency furnaces and are a great option for almost total efficiency.
Decide on a comfortable temperature
Keeping your thermostat at a consistent temperature may be more useful than regularly turning it way up. When you turn the thermostat way up, the boiler has to work harder. If it cannot keep up, it is at risk of breaking. The regular increase in degrees will also result in a higher heat bill. Instead, decide on a comfortable temperature and attempt to leave the thermostat at that decided upon temperature. Consider lowering the thermostat one or two degrees at night. You will notice a decrease in utility bills from just one or two degrees.
Find alternative ways to heat the home
While you do not want to entirely get rid of your boiler, it can be useful to also find alternative ways to heat the home. Every degree that you can lower the thermostat will result in a lower heat bill and increased energy efficiency. For example, utilize an electric heater to offset the costs. Use the electric heater to keep warm in a single room during the night, when you can reduce the thermostat. Natural fireplaces can also be a great way to keep warm with minimal cost.
The winter cold will be here before we know it. Preparing your home now can be helpful and can ensure that you have a warm home, all winter long. Prepare by scheduling your routine boiler inspection, making any necessary heat repairs, and if possible, upgrading your current boiler. You can also decide on a comfortable temperature and find alternative ways to heat the house.