Battle Creek Heating Services 

Many homeowners know they can save money on their heating bills by keeping the thermostat set to the lowest comfortable temperature. However, there are several additional ways to save on heating costs. 

To reduce heating bills without sacrificing comfort: 

• Change or clean the air filter at recommended intervals 
• Keep up with a regular maintenance schedule for better efficiency 
• Reverse the direction of ceiling fans to push warm air down
• Open curtains to allow heat from the sun to enter during the day
• Close curtains at night to keep the heat in 
• Seal around windows and doors to eliminate drafts 
• Replace insulation in walls and attics
• Use a programmable thermostat 

What about closing air vents? Although it would seem that closing air vents is a great way to conserve energy, the opposite is true. Closing the vents forces the heating system to overwork, which actually increases energy consumption and costs. However, partially closed vents are okay, since it still allows air to flow properly through the HVAC system.

When to Replace Heater Air Filters 

Every heating system has at least one air filter. The air filter is an important component that keeps contaminants from going into the heating unit. Many heating systems have a second filter that filters the air that passes through the return vents. When these filters become clogged with dust and debris it’s important to change them. Dirty filters can cause the heating unit to work harder than necessary, as well as diminish indoor air quality. 

Typically, inexpensive filters will last between 1 to 3 months. High-efficiency filters, on the other hand, only need to be changed once or twice a year. The frequency of changing these filters depends on the level of contaminants in a home. For example, homes with pets will generally need to change filters more regularly than those without.