3 Commonly Asked Questions About Home Heating

Your heating system is one of the most important parts of your home. However, many homeowners ignore the heating system until something breaks or the system becomes old. To prevent major problems, however, it's important to monitor and maintain your heating system. If you would like to know more, check out these three commonly asked questions about home heating.

1. How Can You Boost Heating Efficiency?

There are multiple ways to boost heating efficiency. Some of them include making small changes, but others including improving parts of the home. For example, if you don't have adequate insulation, you may need to add more. The system may be working fine, but the home's lack of insulation lets heated air slip right outside.

Luckily, there are many things you can do that are less invasive than adding insulation. For starters, you may need to reduce the temperature. The higher the difference between the temperature outside and the temperature inside, the more energy the system uses.

However, you don't want to keep the system off for too long. This cools down the ducts too, so when you turn on the heat again, the ducks will steal some of that heat before it reaches you. You can counteract the reduced heat by using other sources of heat like your fireplace or a ceiling fan in reverse to blow hot air down.

One of the leading ways to save money on your heating, however, is to create a heating schedule. Many people simply set the thermostat and never change it. However, when you aren't home and when you are sleeping, you can set the thermostat much lower.

2. What Mistakes Damage a Heating System?

Neglecting maintenance is one of the main mistakes that can damage a heating system. Besides having the system occasionally serviced, you need to keep it clean. This means changing the filter frequently and having routine duct cleaning to remove debris and irritants. Failing to maintain the system increases the risk of a problem in the future or a small issue turning into an expensive one.

Plus, dirty filters and ducts make it harder for the system to transport air, forcing it to work harder. Another mistake that forces the system to work harder is closing vents. Closing vents to unused rooms may seem like a good idea to reduce wasted energy, but it can actually put too much strain on the system.

3. What's the Best Type of Heating?

There are many types of heating systems, but the best one depends on your needs and preferences. If your main goal is effectiveness, you'll want a force-air heating system because they quickly heat air and force it to your living area. If you live in an area with fewer mild winters, and you want something that is also energy efficient, a heat pump may be a better idea.

Some types of heating are best for certain rooms. Radiant floor heating, for example, is great in bathrooms with tiled floors, but it's a poor choice for carpeted and laminate floors. Therefore, some people end up with multiple types of heating options.

The most energy-efficient option is solar heating. With good solar panels, you may spend little to nothing on energy from the city. Of course, solar panels are expensive to buy and install, but the savings allow you to recoup your investment. Depending on the amount of sun in your area, however, you may need a backup heater.

Stop neglecting your heating system. Don't wait until you need to make an expensive repair. Instead, stay up to date on maintenance and repairs. If you would like to know more, contact a heating contractor in your area today

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