Q. “We have an energy-saving oil-fired heating system,
but we want to do more to reduce our energy expenses. What do
you suggest?”
A. Here are several suggestions: 1) use ventilating
fans in your kitchen, bath or other areas sparingly. In just
one hour of use, they can pull out a houseful of warm air. 2)
Check furnace filters monthly and clean or replace them. Dirty
filters block airflow, increasing your energy bill and shortening
the life of the equipment. 3) Clean registers, baseboard heaters
and radiators with a damp rag or vacuum cleaner about once a
month. Don’t block them with furniture, carpeting or drapes––leave
a few inches of space.
Q. “We want our home to be comfortable this winter and
we often argue over how to set our thermostats. Can you give
us some advice?”
A. We’re glad to help you out. A good rule is
to set your thermostats at the lowest comfort level––a
good target is 65º F during the day and 60º for sleeping. You
will notice a drop in energy costs. If you have rooms that are
not used much, turn the thermostat in these areas down to 55º.
This assumes that your home has multiple zones.
If you have heating and air conditioning
questions,
please email them to Steve LaPointe: slapointe@fedheat.com.
