The holiday season is replete with colorful celebrations and gatherings with loved ones. Given the cold weather, many celebrations take place inside where guest can enjoy the coziness and comfort of indoor heating. Because your heating system can end up working harder as a result, it is important to prepare it in advance to ensure that it performs at an optimal level. A look at some of the top ways to enhance your heating system for the holidays can help you create a welcoming home environment during some of the coldest and busiest months of the year.
1. Change Your Air Filters
Air filters serve an important role in ensuring the efficiency of your heating units and maintaining great indoor air quality. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you should change your HVAC filter at least once every three months. This can help protect your heating equipment from an onslaught of pollutants, debris, and dust. Filters that are clogged with dirt and contaminants can inhibit airflow. This causes your heating equipment to work harder to maintain stable indoor temperatures. It can also increase utility costs and diminish the consistency of heating throughout your home. Replacing air filters before the holidays helps promote smoother airflow and cleaner indoor air for all guests invited into your home.
2. Check Thermostat and Adjust Settings
Your thermostat is the best way to manage the day-to-day performance and output of your heating equipment. Make sure your thermostat is on a comfortable but energy-efficient setting during gatherings. For example, the U.S. Department of Energy suggests winter thermostat settings of approximately 68°F-70°F while you are awake or when guests are in the home. You can then save energy by lowering the thermostat by approximately 7°F-10°F while you are asleep or when you are away from home. According to the Department of Energy, this simple adjustment can help you save up to 10% per year in heating costs.
To make adjusting your device easier, consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat. Programmable thermostats allow you to preset temperature settings throughout the day. Smart thermostats allow remote control, and some even use machine learning and algorithms to automatically adjust temperatures based on your usage patterns. Advanced technology helps you keep the home comfortable for guests without overworking your heating equipment. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, an energy-efficient smart thermostat can help you save $100 in utility expenses.
3. Seal Windows and Doors
Gaps around windows and doors allow heat to escape while also enabling cold air to seep in from outdoors. These drafts can lower energy efficiency while driving up your heating expenses. Seal any gaps by weather stripping or caulking the cracks around windows and doors.
4. Check Your Vents and Registers
Blocked or obstructed vents and registers can hamper airflow. This can cause a sudden drop in temperatures and also create problems with energy efficiency. Try to avoid allowing furniture like couches, tables, or chairs to block vents in your home. Keep all vents and registers open during the winter, and dust or vacuum them to remove debris periodically throughout the season. Keeping your vents and registers clear can go a long way in ensuring proper heating distribution during the coldest months of the year.
5. Request a Ductwork Inspection
Defective ductwork can lead to air leaks that result in uneven heating throughout the home. Cracked or poorly insulated ducts can also result in significant energy losses and higher utility bills. If it has been a while since your last HVAC inspection, reach out to a professional about evaluating the state of your ducts. A technician can correct any gaps, tears, or poorly connected joints to improve the efficiency of your ducts. In addition, the technician can help insulate any exposed ducts in rooms like the attic or basement. According to the Department of Energy, properly sealing and insulating ducts may help save 20% on annual heating bills.
6. Check Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Check safety devices like smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms before any holiday gathering. During the winter, appliances like furnaces may emit carbon monoxide due to the incomplete combustion of fuel. Carbon monoxide is a tasteless, colorless, and odorless gas that is lethal in high concentrations. Test your alarms and install backup batteries to keep your house safe. In addition, the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) reports that December and January are the peak months for house fires due to the holiday season. For example, Thanksgiving is the most likely day of the year for a house fire due to heavy cooking, and fires from candles or lighting peak around Christmas. Test your fire alarm to have peace of mind while spending time in your toasty home.
7. Exercise Caution With Space Heaters
Space heaters offer a convenient way to supplement warmth during holiday celebrations. These appliances are portable, economical, and efficient. Unfortunately, space heaters can also pose electrical shock and fire hazards. The NFPA and the American Red Cross report that space heaters are the most common types of equipment involved in home heating fires. To protect yourself, use these heaters sparingly and keep all flammable items away from these devices. Do not use space heaters with extension cords, and remember to turn them off before leaving the room or going to sleep.
8. Keep Outdoor Units Clear of Debris
During the winter, debris buildup on your outdoor unit can reduce the equipment’s efficiency and increase the risk of breakdowns. Try to remove any accumulation of leaves, snow, or ice, which may inhibit airflow. A technician can also examine your outdoor unit if you notice unusual sounds or performance issues.
9. Maintain Your Chimney and Flue
A cozy fireplace can provide the warmth and ambiance that all guests need to embrace holiday cheer. However, it is imperative to schedule routine chimney and flue upkeep prior to using your wood-burning fireplace or gas furnace. Without proper cleaning or upkeep, creosote buildup in your chimney can increase the risk of fire. Damaged flues or backdrafts can also increase the risk of carbon monoxide inhalation. Inspecting and cleaning the structure beforehand
10. Set the Ceiling Fan in Clockwise Rotation
Experts advise setting your ceiling fan in clockwise rotation during the winter. Since heat naturally rises, setting your ceiling fan so that it spins clockwise can help force warmer air back down into your home. This reverse direction also allows the warm air to circulate freely so that indoor temperatures remain consistent.
11. Consider Upgrading Your Heating Equipment
If your heating system is over 10 years old or no longer working effectively, consider upgrading to a more efficient device. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, installing an ENERGY STAR-certified device may cut your annual heating bill by as much as $140. You may also qualify for tax credits for upgrading to energy-efficient equipment through 2032.
12. Schedule Professional Maintenance
Schedule annual heating maintenance before any holiday gathering. During a maintenance session, a technician can check for wear and tear or conduct minor repairs to prevent major breakdowns. The technician can also check for safety hazards like broken heat exchangers to ensure that your system runs smoothly without posing health risks to home occupants or guests.
Contact Us Today
Proactive preparation can help keep your home comfortable throughout the holiday season. If any of the steps seem overwhelming, however, there is no need to panic. The experts are here to help. Queen City Heating & Cooling provides heating system services for homes in Springfield, MO and surrounding areas. We offer furnace repair and maintenance just in time for the holidays. In addition to furnaces, our technicians also service boilers and heat pumps. Reach out if you need to upgrade to energy-efficient equipment or install radiant heating. Our technicians can install smart thermostats, test carbon monoxide detectors, and resolve problems with indoor air quality. We offer loyalty club memberships to help you save on maintenance and provide emergency repair services for problems that simply cannot wait. No matter the issue, we can assist you. Contact Queen City Heating & Cooling today for all of your HVAC needs.
Contact Queen City Heating & Cooling today!
