The leaf-peepers are back. The apples are picked. The heavier jackets are being worn. Fall has returned to North Carolina.
That means it’s time to be turning on the heat in your Noth Carolina home. You may be dreading the energy bills that come with that. We at Pico Propane get that. We’re locally owned and based. That’s why we’re giving you some tips that you can use now so you can make sure your home’s heating system is as efficient as possible, which helps you save money on energy bills.
The best thing you can do for your home’s heating system, and your wallet, is have an annual tune-up from Pico Propane. Our professionals will clean and assess your heating system to ensure that it’s running at its best efficiency so it will use less energy, which means you’ll spend less on energy bills! Annual tune-ups let any needed repairs be discovered and fixed before they get worse and not only make your heating system run less efficiently, but also end up becoming more costly repairs. Getting an annual tune-up as part of taking proper care of your heating system will also help it last longer so you get the most out of your investment.
Your thermostat should be part of the annual tune-up, to make sure it’s calibrated accurately and running properly. If it isn’t, update to a new programmable thermostat! You can program it to keep your home at a cooler temperature while you’re away, and have it warm again by the time you get home. Some of today’s programmable thermostats can be controlled through your smartphone.
If you’re looking for an easy and inexpensive task, this is it. Dirty air filters let dirty air into your heating system. Dust and dirt settle on the parts, which can cause damage that leads to not only expensive repairs, but a shorter life for your heating system. If you have a forced-air heating system, change it every one to three months. And if you have pets of people with allergies in your home, make that closer to one month.
Another inexpensive project to help your heating system be more efficient is to get rid of your home’s drafts, which can add up to 15 percent to your energy bill. The bases and edges of windows and doors are the prime spots for drafts. Weatherstripping and caulk do a lot for eliminating drafts.
Keep a clear path from your heating source —whether it’s a forced-air register, radiator or baseboard heater — and the rest of the room so the heated air can circulate. If heated air is blocked from circulating, your heating system will work harder for a longer time, leading to more energy use and higher energy bills. Don’t let draperies block registers, radiators or baseboard heaters. Also, don’t place furniture close to them.
Trust Pico Propane for top-quality service of your home’s heating equipment, as well as prompt and professional delivery of heating oil and propane. Contact us today to become a Pico Propane customer!
