Boston Plumbing and Heating Blog

While March is around the corner, we still have some cold weather in front of us. More snow is in the forecast and temperatures will be cold. You should get the most out of your heating system for the rest of the winter.

Here are some ways to keep your home nice and warm for the rest of the winter.

Remove clutter from near the furnace which can obstruct air flow, preventing your heating system from working as efficiently as possible. Not only is this more safe, but it also saves you money.

Heating and cooling system maintenance keeps your systems running smoother and more efficiently. An annual HVAC service inspection will ensure that equipment is in good condition and operating at peak performance.

Change your air filter monthly or as instructed by the manufacturer.

Add a humidifier to your heating system.  Moist air feels warmer than dry air and a humidifier lets you set your thermostat at a lower setting.

A programmable thermostat adjusts the temperature in your home to provide the most comfort when your home is occupied.

For information on running your heating system more efficiently, contact Greater Boston Heating and Plumbing.

Heating is one of the biggest expenses in your home. Too many homes have inefficient heating systems, making heating bills cost hundreds or thousands of dollars more expensive than they should be. Heating systems that are 20 or 30 years old just aren’t as efficient as they are today.

There are different heating systems for your home:

Heat Pumps - are becoming very popular.  A Heat Pump moves hot air.  But, one of the biggest advantages of heat pumps is that they can also cool your home too.  Heat pumps are a extremely efficient because cooling and heating runs off one system and because they transfer the heat, they don’t burn fuel to make heat.  This also makes them the more environmentally friendly choice.
 
Furnaces – Gas Furnaces are more efficient to run than electric furnaces.  Gas furnaces are the most common type of furnace being installed in newer homes and as replacements.

Boilers – are a often found in older homes and apartment buildings.  Boilers are actually a great way to heat your home because they usually have a very long service life.  If gas in in place, installing a new boiler upgrade is much simpler.

For more information on a more efficient heating system for your home, contact Greater Boston Plumbing and Heating.

Did you know that there is still a tax credit available for those homeowners who spent money on qualifying energy efficient heating systems and cooling systems in 2012 or for those who intend to in 2013? Homeowners can receive up to $300.

The tax credit has been extended for energy efficiency improvements that were set to expire January 1, 2013. The newly extended credit will expire December 31, 2013.

The tax credit is available for energy efficient heating and cooling equipment purchased in 2012. If you are planning to replace your existing HVAC system, now is the time, because the tax credit is available for 2013 too.

The tax credit is available for energy efficient home improvements including central air conditioners ($300), heat pumps ($300), and furnaces ($150).

For more information, or for quotes on your new heating or cooling system, contact Greater Boston Plumbing and Heating.

It may be February, but winter is not over. Most people wait until after the winter to replace the furnace, but you may be one of the unfortunate ones who has to buy a new furnace now.

If you are buying a new furnace now, be sure the heating contractor knows the size of your house in order to determine the size of the furnace for the space.

A furnace that is too large leaves gaps in temperature when it turns on until it catches up with the thermostat. Your house ends up cooling down until the next cycle and this creates an inconsistent temperature.

A furnace that is the right size for the space will be able to better regulate a constant temperature making it run much more efficiently.

Don’t use price as the main factor when buying a furnace. Annual operating costs for all of the furnaces you are considering should be your main concern.

Efficiencies can vary drastically depending on price, which means that if you pay more up front now, you'll still enjoy lower heating bills for 10 or 15 years.

Many homeowners get confused over purchase agreements and warranty information. Greater Boston Plumbing and Heating is a reputable installer who will be sure to explain the purchase agreement and warranty information as well as explain exactly what you are getting.

Regular maintenance of your heating and cooling system will keep the furnace performing like it should, keep your family warm, and lower your energy bills.

For more information contact Greater Boston Plumbing and Heating.

Original article –Philly.com