Winter heating tips

Trying to stay warm this winter?  Here are some winter heating tips that will keep your family cozy and warm throughout the cold spell.

1. Have your furnace tuned up each fall to make sure it’s running at peak efficiency.
2. Replace your furnace filters on a regular basis – monthly.
3. Keep your thermostat at a consistent temperature. It’s okay to lower the thermostat a couple of degrees during the day while you’re at work.  But, don’t turn your thermostat up or down more than a couple of degrees.
4. When it comes time to replace your outdoor unit, consider a heat pump. The combination of a heat pump with a gas furnace is much more efficient than a gas furnace alone.
5. Open the curtains and blinds to take advantage of the radiant heat from sunshine during the day.
6. Replacing older windows with energy efficient windows is one of the best things you can do to reduce heat loss during the winter.
7. Run your humidifier during the winter to make your home feel warmer. Proper humidity can make the air feel up to three degrees warmer.
8. Don’t block the vents and ducts inside your house for proper air flow.
9. Make sure all windows and doors are properly caulked or have weather stripping.
10. If you have ceiling fans, reverse the direction of the blades to clockwise to push the warm air that rises down.