Making Your Heater Energy Efficient

As the temperature drops in Kansas City, keeping your new home warm this winter will likely come down to the efforts of your heater. However, high energy costs can have homeowners worried about turning the heat up on their thermostat. If you have recently made the move to Kansas City, All My Sons Moving & Storage has tips on making your heater energy efficient to make your first months in your new home less costly.1. Hire a professional - One of the first things you should do after moving to Kansas City and into your new home, is to have a professional come and take a look at your heater and other appliances. Your heater needs to be regularly maintained in order to function properly and you don't want to wait until temperatures dip into the 30s before you realize your heater is broken. Emergency maintenance calls can cost a small fortune, so it's best to schedule an appointment and have parts replaced at that time if need be.2. Maintain your air ducts - Ducts should be inspected and cleaned every three to five years. If you're planning a move to Kansas City, ask your realtor to find out when your new home's ducts were last serviced. If you have any rips, tears or holes in your ducts, they are likely causing stress on your heater because it has to work harder to get hot air to all the rooms in your home. Well-maintained air ducts provide efficient airflow throughout your home, making it easier for your heater to work.3. Change the air filter - As a rule of thumb, your air filter should be changed every month to maintain optimal airflow throughout your home. If you have pets, our local Kansas City movers and packers suggest changing your air filter more frequently, as pet dander can quickly clog an air filter. By maintaining your air filter and changing it when necessary, it will be easier for air to flow through your home and put less strain on your heating appliance.4. Check caulking and insulation - if you feel like it's impossible to keep your new house warm, heat may be escaping through windows, doors or your ceiling and you don't even know it. Look for areas in your home where warm air could be getting sucked out and caulk it with materials from your local home improvement store. It's a known fact that heat rises, so you'll also want to check the insulation in your attic. If there isn't a sufficient amount, warm air is likely seeping right out of your ceiling. By placing a layer of insulation between your ceiling and attic, you can trap heat in and heat your home more efficiently.

All My Sons Kansas City movers want your family to stay warm this winter season and save money on your utility bill at the same time, so take the appropriate steps to maintain your heater's energy efficiency today.