Heating Systems

The purpose of a filter on a forced-air furnace is to keep dust, soot and other pollutants out of the air that blows into your living area. Since dirty filters block airflow and make the system work harder, it's important to replace or clean the filter regularly (once every month for most filters). Changing your filter on a regular basis can really help save on the utility bill.

Duct Insulation

Up to 25 percent of the heat from your furnace can be lost through poorly insulated ducts, so it's always a good idea to keep ducts well insulated. Here are a few tips :

• Each year, inspect your system thoroughly. Newer systems should already be insulated , but you should still inspect them for leaks.
• If your system has tin ducts, make sure the insulation has no rips or tears. If you find any tears, repair them with foil tape, which will reflect the heat back into the ducts.
• Make sure the ductwork is securely attached to the vents.
• Inspect the system while the air is running through the ducts to check for leaks .
• If you're installing insulation blankets around the ducts, be careful not to crush the insulation. The vapor barrier should be on the outside if the ducts are used for air conditioning.
• When wrapping the ducts, make sure not to block any air intakes. Keep the insulation and tape out of contact with light fixtures, chimneys or flue pipes.

Many older homes are heated with baseboard heaters. For the best efficiency, as well as to prevent fires, it's important to keep the vents on these heaters free of dirt and dust by cleaning them at least once a season. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• The brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner works well for cleaning baseboard heater vents.
• When using your heaters, leave the top flap open so the heat rises while cool air returns in the lower slot.
• For boiler-based baseboard heaters, set the boiler temperature gauge at 140 to 180 degrees. The heater will kick on at 140 and cut off at 180.
• Don't place curtains in front of the openings. The curtains will collect the heat and direct it straight out the window.

Programmable Thermostat

Automation is the hot topic these days when it comes to systems around the home , and this includes the heating and cooling systems. Programmable thermostats adjust the temperature settings just as people do manually, but with greater efficiency . When used correctly, they can lower your utility costs by 10 to 15 percent. If you 're in the market for a programmable thermostat, make sure the thermostat is compatible with your heating and cooling system.

Most programmable thermostats can be installed in less than an hour with a screwdriver , a drill and a knife or wire-stripping tool. The thermostat wiring carries low-voltage current that is quite safe. Check the manufacturer for installation instructions . If you're installing a thermostat that controls dual systems or has a sub-base switching station, it's best to call a professional.

When determining if you need a programmable thermostat, keep in mind that you should use one only if you'll be away from your home for eight or more hours at a time on a regular basis. It actually takes more energy to get the room back to the desired temperature than it would to simply maintain the temperature for a few hours.

Ceiling Fans

If you have ceiling fans, it's a good idea to reverse the rotation in the winter . In the summer, the cool air is lower in the room, so the fan should pull the air up and keep it circulating. In the winter, warm air is trapped up high, so set the fan to push the warm air downward. Clean the blades at least once a month so dust won't fly everywhere.