Is it a good idea to close or seal off the heating registers in unused rooms?
Q. What is the most efficient thermostat setting for heating?
A. The best setting is the lowest temperature at which you are comfortable. Most people can be
comfortable at a setting of 68 - 70 o - each degree higher than that
can increase your heating costs by 1-2%.
Q. I've heard that setting back my heat can actually cost me more when I turn the
thermostat back up - is this true?
A. With most heating systems, you will save by turning the thermostat back for four
hours or more. If you have a heat pump, you should either set the thermostat at a
comfortable temperature and leave it, or purchase a programmable thermostat
specifically designed for a heat pump.
Q. How often should I change the filters in my forced air heating or air conditioning system?
A. You should check your filters on a regular basis (monthly checks are recommended),
and replace them whenever they appear dirty. A dirty filter can interfere with the
proper air flow through the system, making it work harder and increasing operating costs.
Q. How often should I have my heating system serviced?
A. Any central heating system should be checked by a qualified service person
once a year. Annual maintenance can extend the life of the system while also
maintaining optimum efficiency.
Q. I've seen furnaces and air conditioners rated in terms of BTUs. What is a BTU?
A. A BTU or British Thermal Unit is a unit of heat. One BTU is roughly
equivalent to the amount of heat produced by a single kitchen match burning completely.
Q. What is a "dual fuel" system, and how does it work?
A. Dual fuel systems can switch between two different fuels or energy sources,
typically gas and electricity. The most common type combines an electric heat
pump with a gas furnace. The heat pump provides heating during milder weather
when it is most efficient, and the gas furnace takes over in colder weather when it
is most efficient.
Q. I've been using my fireplace to heat my house, but my (electric/gas)
bills have not gone down. Why is this?
A. Most fireplaces are not very effective at heating the home, because they draw a
great deal of inside, heated air up the chimney. Consider installing a set of glass
doors which will limit the amount of air drawn up the chimney while allowing the
heat to radiant into the room.
Q. If my power goes out, is it safe to run my oven with the door open for heat?
A. Using a stove or oven for heat is NOT recommended. If the stove or oven is
electric, the exposed elements can be a safety hazard, and if the stove or oven is
gas, the unvented combustion byproducts can be a health hazard. The safest thing
to do is keep all doors and windows closed and bundle up until the power is back
on.
Q. I've heard a lot lately about duct cleaning services - should I have this done?
A. Unless you are experiencing indoor air quality problems, it is probably not
necessary. If you do feel that it's necessary, be sure to use a qualified, reputable
contractor.
Q. Should I open the heating registers in the ductwork in my basement to keep my
water pipes from freezing in winter?
A. Unless your basement ceiling is insulated, there is probably enough heat loss from
the upstairs into the basement to keep pipes from freezing. If your pipes are
exposed to cold air leaking in around the perimeter of the basement, you should
seal any places where cold air is getting in and insulate the pipes. This should
keep them from freezing without the need to intentionally heat the basement.
Q. What about using "heat tape" to keep my pipes from freezing in winter?
A. The best option is to make sure the pipes are insulated and any sources of outside air infiltration sealed. When pipes freeze, it is usually due to exposure to cold
outside air. If the pipes cannot be adequately protected, "heat tape" (a tape-like
material with a thin electric wire which produces heat) should be used only with
caution - there have been cases of fires started by faulty or damaged heat tape.
Q. Is it a good idea to close or seal off the heating registers in unused rooms?
A. Closing or sealing a small number of heating registers may cut your heating bills
some, but with central forced air systems, closing off more than one-third of your
registers can create pressure imbalances and make the blower fan work harder,
potentially shortening equipment life.
