Preparing your heating system for Fall and Winter temperatures
As the cooler temperatures of October roll in, time is running out in terms of preparing your hydronic heating system for winter. Whether you plan to head south during the winter, or staying in Toronto, it's now time to prepare your home heating system for the final preparations to winterize your home.
The last thing you want is to be caught with a malfunctioning hydronic heating system during a cold snap, or when the roads are icy and technicians are busy with countless call-outs.
A well-designed hydronic heating system will keep you and your family warm through the winter months, provided you take good care of it. There's not a lot to it, so here you go - 3 simple steps to keeping your hydronic system in great working condition.
Step 1: Book your annual maintenance call
Every hydronic home heating system requires an annual maintenance check-up, performed by a professional heating technician. If you have had a technician out in the last 6 months, you can do your own in-between maintenance. Delaying your annual maintenance will save you a few dollars in the short term, but can cost you dearly when your system fails in the middle of winter and you have to pay for emergency call-outs, or wait in a freezing-cold home until a technician can reach you.
By scheduling a hydronic heating maintenance visit during early fall, your technician can help increase the efficiency of your hydronic heating system, and help prevent any breakdowns.
Step 2: Install a programmable thermostat
If you have not done so yet, now is the time to ask your heating technician to install a programmable thermostat for your hydronic heating system. Using a schedule for your thermostat will help to reduce your energy bills significantly while at the same time easing the load on the system.
The U.S. Department of Energy (Sorry we could not find the Canadian version of this – but you get the point) recommends turning your thermostat back 7°-10°F (45°-50° C) for 8 hours a day to save up to 10% a year on your energy use. By keeping it at 68°F during waking hours and lower while you sleep or away from home, you will not only save money, but you will also be perfectly comfortable.
Step 3: Consider a hydronic heating upgrade
A boiler should last for many years with proper maintenance and care. However, if you have noticed an increase in service calls recently, it's time to consider upgrading to a modern high-efficiency hydronic heating system with a programmable thermostat. Not only will you benefit from fantastic energy savings, but it will also deliver substantial long-term cost savings.
Let Hoerner Heating & Plumbing hydronic heating experts take care of your hydronic system maintenance this fall. We will ensure that your space is comfortable and energy efficient all year round.