Home Service Corp.We are experiencing low temperatures and wind chills we have not had in our area for several years. If you haven’t noticed, your furnace or boiler has been running more often and for longer times than it has in at least two heating seasons. There will be surprises in the next several months when you open that gas bill. Hopefully your system has been running effectively without interruption. Here are a few tips to assure better running efficiency and safety.

  • Be sure the filter is clean. A dirty filter can reduce the airflow causing less comfort and higher heating costs.
  • Check the humidifier for operation. Proper humidity in a home creates more comfort and can save heating costs.
  • Remove any clutter around the furnace to avoid the possibility of a fire.
  • If you have not had maintenance on your furnace or boiler in the last year or longer, a precision tune-up can cut operating costs and provide better comfort.
  • Many homes have attached garages. Be sure to keep the garage door closed to hold in as much heat as possible. DO NOT start the car with the door closed or any other engine such as a snow blower. Carbon monoxide is deadly!
  • Close doors tightly and drapes or blinds to keep drafts from forming but be careful that ice does not form on the inside of the windows with the drapes closed.
  • If the heat is uneven in your home, you can turn the furnace fan to “on” which will cause the fan to run constantly and often even the temperature throughout the home. That setting is on your thermostat.
  • If you have a boiler, be sure to clean the baseboard units. Dust and dirt impede the airflow which reduces the output of the unit and increases your heating bill. Also check that the dampers on the baseboard units are open.
  • If your furnace or boiler acts erratically, call us at once. With the stress on units, we are very busy. The sooner you call the sooner we can be at your home and assure you have heat.
  • There are no “magic” heating units that you can just plug in and heat your home comfortably. They operate on electricity which is more expensive than natural gas and they do not have the capacity to heat an entire home.FurnaceOld012013

Another money saving thought

Congress included a tax credit for replacement of a furnace or boiler at the end of last year for 2013. The utility companies have substantial rebate programs in effect, our furnace and boiler manufacturers have rebates, and we are ready to give you our lowest prices of the season if you choose to replace that old furnace or boiler with a new energy saving unit. We replace your unit in one day and don’t leave until the heat is back on. We have low cost financing plans available and what better way to use your tax return money than to invest in saving your family money in the years to come.

Contact us for more information or visit our website at www.HomeServiceCorp.com.

Home Service Corporation

Celebrating our 32nd year serving our Michigan customers Heating & Air Conditioning , Plumbing and Electrical needs.