What Temperature Should the Heat Be On?
Even if it doesn’t get particularly cold where you live, you’ll probably need to use your heater at some point during the winter. And if you live in a cold area like Portsmouth, VA, you’ll need to use your furnace for several months out of the year.
But using your heater can be costly, so it’s important to keep yours running as efficiently as possible. Not only will this save you money, but it will also keep your HVAC system in top condition so it lasts through its full-service life.
There are many ways to keep your energy bills as low as possible and preserve your heater, including setting it to an appropriate temperature for efficiency. But sometimes that’s not enough. Here are some tips on how you can get the most out of your heating system.
What Is the Ideal Indoor Temperature?
Whether you’re living in Chesapeake, Suffolk, or Portsmouth, VA, the ideal indoor temperature doesn’t change. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the optimal indoor temperature (no matter where you live) is 68 degrees in the winter.
This may seem on the low end, but when paired with other heat-preserving tactics, it should be plenty high enough to keep everyone in your home comfortable. You’d be amazed at how much you can save on your utility bills just by turning your temperature down a few degrees each day.
You don’t need to sacrifice your comfort, either. There are many things you can do to support your ideal indoor temperature, so you can keep your heat low but still maintain a warm, cozy home.
How to Support an Efficient Heater
While it’s most efficient to keep your heater set to 68 degrees, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice warmth. 68 degrees can feel a lot warmer in a home that’s properly sealed. If you have a heater that runs efficiently, it won’t waste energy getting to the desired temperature.
A properly maintained heater can help keep your energy bill as low as possible during those cold months.
To learn how to keep your home warm and your thermostat low, talk to a professional technician for recommendations on heating system efficiency.
Annual HVAC Maintenance
An annual heating service appointment is one of the most important things you can do to keep your heater running efficiently. During your maintenance appointment, a professional technician will inspect your heater and provide the appropriate heating service to keep it running smoothly.
Here are some things you can expect a professional to do during your heating tune-up appointment:
- Change your air filters
- Lubricate your heater’s moving parts (e.g., motor and blower bearings)
- Inspect your heater’s heat exchanger
- Check your electrical wiring and make replacements
- Clean the inside of your heater
- Inspect the flue pipe and gas line, if needed
- Thoroughly clean your air vents
These steps will keep your heater running efficiently throughout the cold months, so you won’t waste money on a furnace that’s working overtime to heat your home.
An annual heating service appointment will ensure your heater is kept in top condition, eliminating the need for frequent repairs or a preemptive heating system replacement.
Seal Your Windows and Doors
Another way to support your ideal indoor temperature is to seal your windows and doors properly to keep heat from escaping. Make sure all of your windows and doors are closed and latched and check for cold air coming in through cracks or faulty seals.
Proper weather stripping can ensure you’re not wasting energy, but if you have old windows or doors, or ones with damage, you may also consider replacing them with newer models to seal in the heat.
Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
Most ceiling fans have a switch on the side that will reverse the direction of your fan. Normally, ceiling fans rotate in a counter-clockwise direction to keep your home cooler.
During the winter months, you can reverse the flow of air by flipping the switch so your fan moves clockwise. When you do this, the fan will push warm air trapped near the ceiling down into your room, making it feel warmer.
Call Energy Pro Heating & Cooling Today
If you live in or near Portsmouth, Virginia and you’re looking to keep your heater in top condition, call your local professionals at Energy Pro Heating & Cooling. We’re proud to offer a variety of residential and commercial heating and cooling services to keep your HVAC system in top condition all year round. Call us to schedule your annual heating maintenance service today!