heating

This is the first post in a recurring 'column' by our resident HVAC and home repair expert (and my brother) Robert Maro.

Properly maintain your heating system.

Heating can account for almost half of the average family?s winter energy bill. Make sure your furnace or heat pump receives proper maintenance each year.

Install a programmable thermostat.

The energy savings will offset the cost of a basic unit in less than

a year. Programming your thermostat from 72 degrees to 65 degrees for eight hours a day while no one is home, or while everyone is tucked in bed, will cut your heating bill up to 10 percent.

Insulate heating ducts and keep them in good repair to prevent heat loss.

Your system can lose up to 60 percent of its warmed air before it reaches the register, if ducts are not properly insulated in unheated areas such as attics and crawlspaces.

The single most important thing you can do to keep your air conditioning and heating system working efficiently is to make sure the air filter is matched to the unit and is clean. Air filters can also provide other benefits such as cleaner air and reduced allergy symptoms.