Heating - General
- What is the most efficient thermostat setting for heating?
- I've heard that setting back my heat can actually cost me more when I turn the thermostat back up – is this true?
- How often should I change the filters in my forced air heating or air conditioning system?
- How often should I have my heating system serviced?
- I've seen furnaces and air conditioners rated in terms of BTUs. What is a BTU?
- What is a "dual fuel" system, and how does it work?
- I've been using my fireplace to heat my house, but my (electric/gas) bills have not gone down. Why is this?
- Which is more economical to run, the gas fireplace or an electric space heater?
- If my power goes out, is it safe to run my oven with the door open for heat?
- I've heard a lot lately about duct cleaning services – should I have this done?
- What about using "heat tape" in my unheated crawlspace to keep my pipes from freezing in winter?
- 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 20 to 21°C (68 to 70°F) – each degree higher than that can increase your heating costs by 1-2%. And you can turn the temperature down to 16°C (61°F) at night or when no one is home.
A programmable thermostat is a good way to take care of regulating the termperature, if you keep a fairly regular routine.
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. No, 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 and reduces the heat transfer from the heat exchanger to the air, thus reducing the furnace's efficiency.
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 the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water 1 degree F and 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 wood burning 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 to limit the amount of air drawn up the chimney while allowing the heat to radiate into the room. Better yet, install a fireplace insert that draws combustion air from outdoors.
Q. Which is more economical to run, the gas fireplace or an electric space heater?
A. At today's energy prices, it would be a little cheaper to use electric heaters rather than the gas fireplace, assuming it is a heater-type fireplace. Gas firelogs in a sandpan unit are not effective for heating and an electric heater would be much cheaper.
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. Putting in a more efficient filter will do more to capture airborne dust before it is circulated to the occupied space.
Q. What about using "heat tape" in my unheated crawlspace 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.
