January is a great month for new beginnings and fresh starts. However, as well-intentioned as New Year’s resolutions are, every one of us has struggled to keep them up. Marley Engineered Products is here to help with some simple and effective resolutions for staying warm in 2017!
- Make 2017 the year you declare yourself officially warm in the workplace
It’s been well documented that employees are less productive if they’re too busy trying to stave off the chills. In the office, radiant under-the-desk heaters can keep employees toasty while remaining quiet since they emit heat without a blower. Warm outdoor worksites with portable electric heaters, which are cleaner and safer than heaters fueled by gas.
- Schedule annual maintenance visits for your HVAC systems
One of the most important ways to ensure your heating equipment is working properly is to schedule annual check-ups with a professional. You can also maintain your system in between scheduled visits by a professional by checking for dust and dirt on heating elements or obstructions at the heat intake source or output. Turn your system on and cycle it to make sure all the features are working smoothly. Verify that all connections are secure. A maintenance visit around fall by a licensed heating professional can help increase heating system efficiency in winter and prevent performance issues down the road.
- Learn how to use a programmable thermostat efficiently
If you aren’t already taking advantage of a programmable thermostat, make it a priority in 2017. By setting up your thermostat with a schedule, you can significantly reduce your energy bills and ease the load on your HVAC system all year long. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7°-10°F for eight hours a day from its normal setting. A good rule of thumb is to set your thermostat no higher than 68°F while you’re awake and programming it at a lower temperature while you’re asleep or away from home.
- Finally, solve those pesky cold spot problems with spot heating solutions
Often overlooked, there are several places in your home or building where heated air might be leaking out and cold air is pulled inside: around doors, windows and baseboards; through small exterior cracks; through the attic hatch; through recessed lighting; through electric switches; and through holes around exterior pipes, cables, and wiring. In addition to using caulk, weather-stripping, and insulation to seal leaks, spot heating has become a popular method for maintaining warmth and comfort in areas with cold spots.
Don’t surrender to poor heating in 2017. These resolutions are simple and effective ways to keep your space efficient and comfortable, saving costs on utilities and preventing large-scare equipment failures.
From all of us at Marley Engineered Products, we wish you a warm and happy new year!