10 Tips to Help You Get Ready for Heating Season

1. Upgrade your thermostat

Programmable thermostats, which now run as little as $25, allow you to keep your home cooler when you’re sleeping or not home. The EPA states that installing a programmable thermostat can save homeowners anywhere from 10 to 30% on the space heating and cooling portion of their energy bills.

2. Seal off any cracks or gaps

Yes, we’re channeling Captain Obvious here, but stopping cold air from entering a heated home is maybe the simplest way to reduce heating costs. Start by replacing worn weather stripping, adjusting door thresholds, and sealing cracks around doors, windows and electrical. Also remember to insulate around your attic trap, and, when not in use, keep your fireplace damper closed.

3. Clear the area around registers and vents

If your heating vents are blocked by rugs, furniture, etc., heated air will not circulate properly. Much like blocking a heat register, blocking an air return vent restricts the air flow in your home. Blocking air return vents causes your system to work harder, as there is less air flow to move the air back to the furnace. This continued strain on the HVAC system can lead to a decrease in performance and more repairs down the road.

4. Reverse your ceiling fans

Ceiling fans aren’t just for cooling off in the summer, they help keep your home warm in the winter, too. When the warm air from your heating system rises, it gets trapped near the ceiling. Once the heat kicks on, you’ll want to change the direction of the blade rotation to clockwise. By setting your ceiling fan to rotate slowly in a clockwise fashion, the air will circulate up and force warm air downward toward your living space.

5. Hang some insulated curtains

Insulated curtains can help reduce drafts and heat loss. Insulated or not, you should also make sure to use your curtains wisely. Open blinds and curtains during the day to let the sun naturally warm your house, then make sure and close them at night to help the room retain heat. Who knew there was a strategy for curtains?

6. Get your furnace or boiler a checkup

Make a maintenance appointment with a licensed HVAC technician to have your heating system professionally serviced and cleaned. Not only will annual maintenance appointments extend the life of your system, they can keep your manufacturer’s warranty valid and can help pinpoint any problems that might present future safety hazards. It’s also a great time to change the filter, if applicable.

7. Test your carbon monoxide detectors

Here’s another important safety tip to act on prior to each heating season. Enclosed homes present a much larger hazard when it comes to carbon monoxide poisoning. Use the “test” button to make sure each detector in your home is working. Install fresh batteries or replace the unit, as necessary.

8. Check your ductwork for air leaks

Heating ducts are oftentimes out-of-sight, out-of-mind, but there’s plenty of reason to take a closer look at your home’s ductwork at least once a year. The U.S. Department of Energy states that a home with central heating can lose about 20% of the air that moves through the duct system. Make sure your ducts are in order by properly sealing and insulating them.

9. Roll out some insulation

While it’s not quite as fun as everyone’s favorite polka song, adding insulation can provide significant savings and cut down on drafty spots in your home. For optimal energy efficiency, your home should be properly insulated from the roof down to its foundation. Check insulation levels in the attic, and along exterior/basement walls, ceilings, floors, and crawl spaces.

10. Schedule a propane tank fill

You didn’t really think we were going to leave this out, did you? Scheduling a tank fill before the cold weather arrives will provide you with faster service and an easy item to check off your winterization checklist. Based on years of history, we can tell you that once the first cold snap arrives, everyone remembers that they need a fill. Why not head into the winter with a full tank and some added peace of mind? Placing an order is super easy with Crystal Flash’s customer portal.