While you’re changing your furnace filter and setting back your thermostat, don’t forget to take a look at your air ducts and vents – a few simple changes can help eliminate wasted energy.
Believe it or not…..
If you have a central forced-air furnace, do not close off heat registers in unoccupied rooms. Furnace manufacturers and heating contractors say this practice doesn't really save energy.
Your heating system was designed to heat a specific square footage of living space and will continue working at the same pace - it can't sense whether registers are closed.
In addition, all the cold air from the unheated room will filter back into the rest of the house – the equivalent of a large, drafty window.
Keep vents and registers clear
Make sure all vents, registers and radiators have plenty of room to breathe. Blocking vents with furniture and draperies can prevent much of the warmed air from reaching the interior of a room.
If you can't avoid blocking registers, invest in some inexpensive extenders that fit under or around furniture.
Have your air ducts cleaned
Another option is professional indoor air duct cleaning. This not only leaves your home with cleaner, healthier air, but it can also help both your heating and cooling equipment run more efficiently.
Duct cleaning contractors will clean your registers, piping and ductwork, as well as the furnace air filters and blower motor. You’ll be surprised at the mountain of dust, dirt and debris that’s removed! |
