Sunday, September 22, 2013

Effective Use Of Controllers For Heating Ottawa Houses

By Shannon Jamieson


Although consumers may learn much about energy efficiency in heating Ottawa homes, they should know that the way the systems are operated affects their energy efficiency. To get the most from one's furnace, the occupant should make sure the thermostat that controls the system is used correctly. Follow these tips to reduce the energy consumption of a system.

Many homes can benefit from updating the controller for the furnace. In older homes, out of date thermostats often cause the system to use more energy, wasting money. Even if one does not replace the furnace itself, the addition of a modern controller increases efficiency. If the unit was installed before the end of the last century, it can likely benefit from installing a digital thermostat.

While forced air systems typically have a single thermostat, boilers may have a one on the boiler as well as individual thermostats in each individual room. Each room thermostat controls the amount of steam or hot water to enter the device. They control the individual room temperature, making zone comfort control possible. With forced air systems, the temperature remains constant throughout the home.

Thermostats should be installed in central locations of the areas they are designed to serve. They need to be located away from heat sources such as vents or televisions as well as drafts from windows. The more accurate the reading the more likely they will keep the temperature consistent.

During the winter, begin with the thermostat at a lower setting. Increase one degree per day until a comfortable temperature is reached inside the home. There are special recommendations for homes with infants or elderly who have limited mobility. Your doctor or pediatrician can make recommendations concerning temperatures to ensure these occupants are safe.

If your system allows for zone use, you can save the most money. These systems allow you to keep the areas where you spend most of your time at a comfortable temperature while other rooms are kept cooler. On the south side of the home open the drapes in the rooms where the temperature is set lower to allow passive solar heat to warm the room.

Programmable thermostats automatically set back the heat when you are not at home. The furnace is then turned back up half an hour to an hour before you return. You will never know the difference unless you come home early one day, but there will be considerable cost savings.

Systems should be maintained regularly. Most of the time they should be serviced in the autumn before the start of the winter. Service companies are usually not as busy in this season. By servicing the unit now, you can eliminate many of the potential breakdowns. The service call also includes an inspection for safety problems.

By setting thermostats properly heating Ottawa homes can be accomplished at a lower cost. Set the temperature at a comfortable range and leave it or use a programmable setting to save money. Replace older thermostats for more efficient operation of the furnace in order to save fuel and money from the utility budget.




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