Home Heating Tips

 

The Top Ten ways to make your home warmer and more efficient

  1. Get an annual safety inspection from your local fuel oil or gas service company. Choosing a competent certified technician to inspect your system will establish an important lifeline.

  2. Have your heating contractor replace your filter cartridge yearly. Inspect your fuel oil tank.

  3. Check the nozzle, it could need cleaning or replacement.

  4. Have your heating contractor inspect your chimney and vent pipe or flue.

  5. Have an operating efficiency test done. There is a service protocol to be followed and a Flue Gas Analyzer should be used to monitor the operating efficiency of the burner. Visual adjustment is no longer acceptable. An efficiency of 80% plus is quite acceptable.

  6. In a warm air system, the air filter should be cleaned. Partially plugged dust filters will reduce the heat output of the furnace. High quality filters will also catch more dust. Ensure registers are unobstructed. Often forgotten, the large blower blades should be cleaned. Dust laden blades can drastically reduce the heat output.

  7. In a hot water system, all residue should be vacuumed from the heating appliance. This usually means the air cushion tank should be drained. Many new style diaphragm type tanks never require draining. Check the top floor rads. No water - no heat. Air in the system can be a nuisance. If your air vents don't do the job, there is a new breed of air eliminators on the market. Old style circulators require lubrication. Turn up all thermostats to see that zone valves perform properly. Vacuum all residue from between the fins on baseboard radiation, both hot water, gas and electric.

  8. In gas-fired systems, ensure the pilot light hasn't gone out over the summer. It will need to be re-lighted. The gas valve should be inspected for proper operation and be free of leaks.

  9. Weatherproof all exterior openings.

  10. Sit back and enjoy!

More helpful hints...

  • Blow insulation into an empty wall and attic space. This can reduce your heating bills by up to 25-35 percent.
  • Replace dried and hardened weather-stripping on your exterior doors.
  • Drafty windows? Replacement isn't always necessary. Caulking cord installed at points of leakage does wonders. The clear plastic film kits are also higly recommended.
  • Weather-strip attic hatches.