Fall & Winter Seasonal Tips

My thermostat is equipped with a two position setting for the fan, "automatic" and
"on". Where should I set it?

The two positions are usually used in conjunction with a central air cleaning system.
The normal setting is on "automatic" and the fan`s cycle will be controlled by the
temperature in the room. However, if your home is equipped with an air cleaner (media
or electronic) or you wish to keep a continuous flow of air, switch the setting to "on".
Remember, central air cleaning devices only work when the furnace is circulating air. If
you wish to get the most from your air cleaner, you should keep the setting to "on".

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I see the arrow on my furnace filter but I`m not sure how to correctly position it? What
should I do?

The arrow should point in the same direction as the air flow. In most cases, it will point
towards the furnace and should fit between the return air part of the system and the
furnace. The filter screens out the dust and other impurities before the air is warmed in
your furnace and then distributed through the duct system.

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Set the Thermostat

The most economical operation of your system comes from setting the thermostat
properly. Set the thermostat at the highest summer setting or the lowest winter setting
at which you are comfortable. Typical settings are 78 degrees for summer cooling and
68 degrees for winter heating. When cooling, your operating costs increase from 3% to
8% for each degree your thermostat is lowered. When heating, your operating costs
increase similarly for each degree your thermostat is raised.

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Keep the Air Filter Clean

The easiest way to ensure your system operates efficiently and economically is by
keeping the air filter clean. There are several types of air filters and several possible
locations for the air filter. Ask your service technician next time he`s out at your home
to show you where your air filter is located and which type of filter to use. If you have
allergies, you should look at a pleated allergy filter or a media or electronic style air
cleaner.

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Keep Doors and Windows Closed

Close all doors and windows to the outside. This will reduce the heating load in winter
and the cooling load in summer. Your system will operate more economically as a
result.

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Keep Vents and Grilles Unobstructed

Arrange your furniture and drapes so that all output vents and intake grilles are free
from obstruction. This will reduce the cooling and heating load on your system for
more economical operation.

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Avoid Excess Use of Exhaust Fans

Excessive use of kitchen or bathroom exhaust fans will make your system work
harder. This will increase energy consumption and costs. Keep costs in check by
making wise use of exhaust fans.

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Control Direct Sunlight

Let the sun in during the winter. In winter, direct sunlight reduces the load on your
heating system. Open window shades and awnings to increase direct sunlight and
lower the heating load.

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Keep Heat Away from the Thermostat

Make sure no heat-generating appliances are near your thermostat. These include
lamps, TV`s, stereo and computer equipment.

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Keep An Air Tight House

Ensure maximum retention of heated or cooled air by adding insulation to outside walls
and to the attic. Seal cracks and use storm doors and/or insulated doors to prevent air
leaks. Some recommended R-values for Cleveland area are as follows:

Attic/Ceiling = R30 to R38 (12-18" of insulation)
Walls = R13 (3 1/2" of insulation)

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Department of Energy

You can increase the comfort of your home while reducing your heating and cooling
needs by up to 30% by investing just a few hundred dollars in proper insulation and
weatherization products. Also heating and cooling your home uses more energy and
drains more energy dollars than any other system in your home. Typically 44% your
utility bill goes for heating and cooling.

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Weatherization

Warm air leaking into your home during the summer and out of your home during the
winter can waste a substantial portion of your energy dollars. One of the quickest
dollar-saving tasks you can do is caulk, seal and weatherstrip all seams, cracks and
openings to the outside. You can save 10% or more on your energy bill by reducing the
air leaks in your home.

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Fireplaces

When you cozy up next to a crackling fire on a cold winter day, you probably don`t
realize that your wood-burning brick or masonry fireplace is one of the most inefficient
heat sources you can possibly use. It literally sends your energy dollars right up the
chimney along with volumes of warm air. A roaring fire can exhaust as much as 24,000
cubic feet of air per hour to the outside, which must be replaced by cold air coming into
the house from the outside. Your heating system must warm up this air, which is then
exhausted through your chimney. If you use your conventional fireplace while your
central heating system is on, these tips can help reduce energy losses.