GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — It’s no secret that people are using a lot more heat and energy these past few days to keep warm.
In fact it’s estimated for homeowners in Grand Rapids, the heating demand since New Years is nearly 30 percent above average and with winter far from over there are some things you can do to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.
Dave Drescher with Grapids Heating and Cooling says he has been staying busy lately, but he says regular maintenance would actually eliminate 70-80 percent of the calls he makes.
Drescher says as your equipment works harder in these winter months there’s things you can do to help make it work at is best.
Simple things like check the filter regularly and if you have a higher efficiency furnace make sure the vents are clear of any snow, “when we get this really fine grainy snow that can cause problems, a lot of drifting, if it gets up around the intakes it makes the furnace struggle for air,” he said.
Things like checking to see if your windows and doors are sealed properly, simple checks and advice that can make Mother Nature’s punch a little less stressful.
DTE Energy also says you can save about 3 percent on your gas bill for every degree lower your thermostat below 72 degrees.
There are also programs DTE Energy provides to help make your home more energy efficient with energy audits, for more information: http://www.dteenergy.com
