Energy Savings Ideas for Your Furnace or Boiler

There are a number of steps a homeowner can take in order to maximize energy savings during these winter months. One basic maintenance procedure that should be done annually is a professional inspection, along with a preventative maintenance “tune-up.”

There are some incredible rebates and tax credits available currently which can increase your energy savings, so be a savvy comparison shopper when looking for a new furnace or boiler.

Here are some tips to keep in mind for your existing system:

  1. Set your thermostat down just 5 degrees in the winter. This is particularly effective if you’re away from home for periods of four hours or longer.
  2. Because a high efficiency boiler has an electronic ignition, the need for a constantly burning pilot light is eliminated.
  3. ENERGY STAR is a great program which helps protect the environment via energy efficient practices and products. Products with the ENERGY STAR label can reduce a homeowner’s energy bill by about one-third. To learn more about this program, visit www.EnergyStar.gov.
  4. If your furnace or boiler is over 20 years old, it would be a wise move to replace it with a high efficiency unit, installed by a professional contractor. Other considerations for replacement of older units include a) an old gas furnace which doesn’t have heat dampers or an induced draft fan; b) an old coal burner previously converted over to gas or oil; and c) an old gas furnace that uses a pilot light as opposed to electronic ignition. These only have an efficiency rating of approximately 65 percent.

Home Comfort Experts (www.callhomecomfort.com) covers your heating and cooling needs in Indiana’s South Bend and Mishawaka areas.We take pride in providing professional, caring expert service. Your comfort, safety and energy savings are priorities to us, just like they are to you. We look forward to speaking with you, and are happy to answer any questions you may have.