How to Improve the Efficiency of Your Heating System

Are Your Heating Bills Going Up?

With February being one of the coldest months of the year, we anxiously await spring. After months of running our heaters, our homes feel dry and stuffy. You may also have noticed your utility bills increasing and your heater becoming less efficient than it was at the start of the season. This is not uncommon. Yet, do not fear! There are a few simple things you can do to improve the efficiency of your heater and the comfort of your home.

Keep reading for four helpful tips on improving the efficiency of your heating system.

#1: Set Your Thermostat to 68° in the Winter

Sometimes, when it’s bitterly cold outside, all we can think about is getting toasty and warm. This impulse can cause us to turn our thermostat up to 72° or more. However, you rarely need the thermostat set this high in the winter. When it’s cold outside, 68° tends to be plenty warm, and setting the thermostat higher can lead to a dry, stuffy home.

By setting your thermostat a little lower, your heater doesn’t have to work as hard to keep your home comfortable, helping it run more efficiently. Furthermore, at night, you should consider setting your thermostat even lower. Many people find that turning their thermostat down to 58--60° saves them more money on their heating bill, doesn’t sacrifice their comfort, and helps their heating system stay efficient.

#2: Use a Programmable or Smart Thermostat

Are you tired of turning your thermostat on and off all day? With a programmable thermostat, you can set your heating schedule and forget it. Want even more flexibility? Install a smart thermostat, and it will learn your preferred heat settings, adjusting your system to meet them. With a programmable or smart thermostat, your heating system will only run when you truly need it to, saving you money and improving the system’s overall efficiency and lifespan.

Smart thermostats also have the benefit of being remotely controlled – you have the option to turn your heat on and off even when you’re not at home! This can be a lifesaver when you’re out of town and don’t want your heater running at 68° the entire time, giving you the option to turn it down.

#3: Set Up a Humidifier

Did you know that higher humidity often makes you feel warmer than when the air is dry? By installing a humidifier in your home, you can benefit from this fun fact. Humidifiers allow you to set your thermostat lower and feel comfortable and cozy all winter long. The more comfortable you feel, the less likely you will turn your heater up, giving it the break it needs to keep running smoothly.

You may even notice other benefits such as a reduction in dust allergies, static electricity, and dry skin. This is because the heater tends to dry the air out in your home. Even a small tabletop humidifier can improve the comfort level of a room.

#4: Keep Your System Well-Maintained

We never tire of preaching the benefits of professional heater maintenance. Indeed, professional maintenance is the number one best thing you can do for your heater. It not only improves its efficiency immediately, saving you money on your heating bills now, but it also extends the life of the system, saving you money down the road.

Ideally, heater maintenance should be performed annually, sometime in the late summer or early fall. The goal is to ensure that your system is cleaned and prepped for the coming winter. If you aren’t sure when your heater was last serviced, or if you’ve just purchased your home and would like your system inspected, reach out to the heating experts at Donmar Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. We will get your heater taken care of quickly and professionally.