If your heater is running inefficiently, you’re likely to wind up paying a lot of money for your heating bill, even if you’re not using it much. There are many methods for improving the efficiency of a heater, from changing the heater itself to weatherizing your home. Try these 5 methods to check if your heater is wasting money:

1. Check your air vents. For the heat to be dispersed throughout the house, you’ll need to make sure that all of the air vents are allowing air to flow through. The vents should all be open with the same amount of airflow running through. Make sure no furniture is blocking the air vents.
2. Consider your unit’s age. Old heating units may only run at about 50% efficiency, thanks to a combination of age and lower efficiency standards. In contrast, modern, highly effective units can be up to 97% efficient. If you have an older heater, you may be able to save money and increase the value of your home by upgrading to a high efficiency heater.
3. Keep an eye out for drafts. You shouldn’t feel cool drafts in the home. For improving the efficiency of a heater, it’s important to make sure that cool air isn’t entering through any unnecessary places. For example, make sure that your fireplace is blocked if you have one; check the insulation and sealing around windows and doors; and use curtains to keep heat in. Your ducts are another potential source for drafts; if you have a leaky duct, it may need to be repaired with duct mastic.
4. Check the filters. Your heater’s filter should be changed at least once a month. A dirty filter can decrease your heater’s efficiency, while also serving as a potential hazard. It’s also important to perform any other scheduled maintenance for the heater.
5. Use a programmable thermostat. When you don’t have a programmable thermostat, you may find yourself constantly adjusting the thermostat to a more comfortable temperature, or leaving the heater at a higher temperature than it needs to be. Programming your thermostat is one important way of improving the efficiency of a heater. Your thermostat should be programmed a few degrees lower for the hours when you’re out of the house or sleeping.

You should check the efficiency of your heater at least once a year at the beginning of the cool season, so that you avoid being hit with a big heating bill. If your heater needs repaired or replaced, Cooper Climate Control would be happy to help. For a free quote on replacement, please click here or give us a call at (480) 460-7417.

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