Winter has officially arrived, we’ve seen our first snowfall in Ottawa, and the holidays are just around the corner. Before you do your holiday shopping, baking, and decorating, (or before you do more…), there are some important housekeeping details to take care of. Namely, HVAC maintenance. Because no one wants to freeze or overheat at Christmas dinner. Make sure that doesn’t happen with these heating tips for the holidays.
Heating Tips for Maximum Comfort and Optimal Efficiency
Maximize the comfort of your family and guests and keep energy costs down by following these tips to optimize heating efficiency.
1. Check and Change HVAC Filter
Aim to check and change your furnace filter every 30 days. Air filters that get clogged or too dirty obstruct airflow and this reduces the air quality and heating efficiency in your home. Clogged filters, therefore, contribute to higher energy bills because your furnace will be working harder to heat your home. If you haven’t already, pop in a new filter before your guests arrive.
2. Close the Oven
Resist the urge to frequently open your oven to check on your roast or cookies. We say this because every time you open your oven, its temperature drops by as much as 25 degrees. Not only does this reduce the efficiency of the appliance, resulting in more energy costs, but it can also cause the house – and your guests – to overheat. And nobody wants to sit next to a sweaty Uncle Bob!
3. Keep the Furnace Clear
Do you store stuff near your furnace? A lot of people do. But you shouldn’t. Take time to declutter the space around your furnace when you turn it on for the season. Storing items too close to your heating system is a fire hazard. Plus, in the event of a heating emergency, you want the HVAC technician to be able to get to your furnace as quickly as possible.
4. Clean and Clear Your Fireplace
If you have a fireplace you plan on using over the holidays, make sure it’s also clean and clear of clutter. Keep flammable objects away from the fireplace – that includes the Christmas tree! Before the family gathers around the fire, have it thoroughly cleaned and inspected so you know it’s ready for safe use.
5. Insulate the Attic
Insulating your attic can be a big money-saver. It’s also another way to improve the heating efficiency of your home as it’ll prevent warm air from escaping. A properly-insulated attic will help the heat stay inside your house, keeping your guests warm and cozy. Plus, it’ll be easier on your wallet. You might look at the insulation in other parts of your home so you can improve it for better heat retention overall.
6. Invest in a Whole-Home Humidifier
Whole-home humidifiers, like the GeneralAire Whole House Elite Series, work to retain heat. They work so well that you can even turn down the thermostat. They also combat the excessive dryness that winter can cause. Whole-home humidifiers keep the humidity levels in your home just right, improve air quality, and reduce static electricity. Your home will be so much more comfortable for your guests!
7. Adjust Your Blinds & Curtains
You can use your blinds or curtains to keep the cold out and trap the warm air inside. Close them at night, and during the day, open them to let the light in, especially on sunny days. This way you can take advantage of the natural warmth the sun generates.
8. Get a Furnace Tune-up
Our final tip for heating your home during the holidays: always, always get a furnace or HVAC tune-up before winter. An HVAC technician will inspect your unit and diagnose any potential problems. They’ll ensure that your heating system is in good working order and ready to handle the cold months ahead.
If you haven’t already, be a gracious host and keep your guests cozy and comfortable this holiday season.
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Harding Heating & Air Conditioning has been Ottawa’s leading home comfort specialist since 1994. We are a family-owned and operated local business and all of our installers and technicians are fully licensed.
