A room that never feels warm enough can quickly lead to turning up the thermostat. But the temperature setting may not be the real problem. A covered return vent or heat that doesn’t reach rooms evenly can affect how comfortable your home feels.
Before asking your heating system to produce more heat, it’s worth looking at how well that heat is moving through your home. A few simple changes can help you use the heat you’re already producing more effectively.
Where you put furniture can affect how well a room heats. A sofa pushed against a baseboard or a rug covering a floor vent can block some of the heat your system is trying to deliver. The same goes for furniture placed in front of return vents, which need open space for air to circulate properly.
Take a quick look around the rooms you use most. Keep radiators, baseboards, and vents clear, and avoid letting long curtains hang directly over them.
Kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans do an important job, but they also pull heated air out of your home while they’re running. Once the steam has cleared after a shower or you’re finished cooking, turn the fan off rather than letting it run unnecessarily.
It’s a small habit, but during a long Michigan heating season, there’s no reason to send more of the warm air you’ve paid to heat outside than necessary.
A fireplace can make a room feel cozy, but an open damper can also give heated air an easy way out of the house. Once the fire is completely out and the fireplace is no longer in use, make sure the damper is closed.
If you rarely use your fireplace, check the damper occasionally to make sure it closes properly. You can also have the chimney and fireplace inspected for issues that may be allowing unwanted airflow. The goal is simple: when you’re paying to heat the house, you want that warm air staying inside.
If your home has a forced-air heating system, the air filter is one of the simplest things to maintain. A dirty filter can restrict airflow and make it harder for heated air to move through the system.
Check the filter regularly and replace it according to the equipment manufacturer’s recommendations. If you’re not sure which filter your system uses or how often to change it, ask your heating technician.
Ceiling fans aren’t just for hot weather. Warm air rises, which can leave more heat near the ceiling than where you’re actually sitting.
Many ceiling fans have a reverse setting for winter. Running the fan slowly in the reverse direction can help move warm air back down into the room without creating a strong breeze. Check your fan’s instructions for the correct winter setting, especially in rooms with high or vaulted ceilings.
Winter may still be a few months away, but now is a good time to make a few changes before the heating season begins. Check your filter, clear the areas around your heat, and make sure your fireplace damper is closing properly.
If you have questions about your equipment or how your home is heating, talk with your heating technician now, before colder weather arrives.
