A: Sealing your ducts leads to nearly 30% reduction in heating utilities;  service your furnace efficient operation, upgrade your furnace system to a high efficiency model;  seal your windows and doors.

A: Leaky ducts prevent your heated air from getting to where you want it;  could also be the configuration of your ductwork.  Aeroseal duct sealing, zoning and inline booster fans are solutions to consider.

A: Yes, programmable and smart thermostats save energy by automating heating for when you need and want it.

A: Clean filters assure proper airflow through your HVAC system and protect your heating system from additional strain.  Since in the winter you are moving lots of air (remember, return air is vacuuming your house), we recommend to replace your air filters every 1-2 months.

A: Noises may indicate one of your motors, blower, belt issue, ductwork flexing, plugged air filter.

A: Yes, maintaining proper humidity levels reduces static electricity by adding moisture to the air, preventing the buildup of electric charges that cause static shocks and clinging fabrics.

A: Keep it at 20-21?C during the day and lower at night for savings.  Remember that correct humidity level also helps feeling warmer and thus saving money.

A: Yes, low humidity can lead to dehydration, which is a common cause of headaches. Proper humidity levels help keep you hydrated, reducing the likelihood of experiencing headaches.

A: Cold air from outside carries significantly less moisture than inside or summer air;  it is however required for improving the air quality inside of your home, as make-up air.  Consider upgrading your humidifier.

A: Keep doors open for even heat distribution, unless using zoning.  Your home and it's HVAC duct system, relies on proper airflow to/from each room - when you close of registers/grills in some rooms, you actually create increased pressure resistance in the part of the system that is being used, in turn reducing the airflow to the rooms in use.
 

A: Upgrade to an energy-efficient furnace, add a smart thermostat and seal your leaking ducts.

A: Look for rising energy bills, increasing repairs, and uneven heating.

A: Yes, running the fan can help distribute heat more evenly.  Consider upgrading your furnace to variable type blower where you can adjust your airflow volume to a more comfortable level.

A: Yes, balanced humidity helps alleviate dry skin, sore throats, and nasal congestion, which can contribute to insomnia. Proper humidity levels promote better sleep by keeping the air comfortable and hydrated.

A: Furnaces use combustion, while heat pumps transfer heat.

A: Yes, balanced humidity makes the air feel warmer at lower temperatures, allowing you to lower your thermostat while staying comfortable. This reduces the workload on your heating system, leading to lower energy consumption and heating bills during colder months.

A: Yes, by maintaining the right humidity levels, a whole-home humidifier helps reduce airborne particles like dust and allergens, leading to cleaner and healthier indoor air.

A: Yes, low humidity can lead to dehydration, which is a common cause of headaches. Proper humidity levels help keep you hydrated, reducing the likelihood of experiencing headaches.

A: Check and replace your aged carbon monoxide detector and service your furnace regularly.  Make sure that the service expert that checks your furnace, all performs a combustion analysis, heat exchanger examination and tests for carbon monoxide.  Some people are sensitive and potentially debilitated by low level carbon monoxide which is typically not detected by traditional detectors - consider low level CO detectors

A: Increase ventilation and manage humidity levels.  Remember that you and your family still need humidity to feel great, so meaningfully reducing humidity is not the solution - proper ventilation is, which removes (washes) the condensation from your windows with air. 

A: Consult with an HVAC professional to determine the right size, appropriate to you model/type and related upgrades, based on your home's specific environment and build - make sure that the professional performs a heat (load) calculation and measures airflow to each room, to assure proper air changes..

A: Yes, but consider a hybrid system that includes a backup furnace for extreme cold which happens 2-5% of the time (hours not days - remember day temperatures are typically warmer than deep cold nights, and heat pumps work very well).

A: Gas furnaces are more efficient in colder climates, while electric furnaces are cheaper to install.  Be careful, as electricity prices tend to spike during cold weather/nights.  Consider a hybrid heat pump/gas furnace system

A: Yes, running fans in reverse helps circulate warm air.

A: Garage heaters prevent freezing temperatures that can damage your car's battery and mechanical parts, as well as keep tools in working condition, not to mention keep your workshop warm.

A: Electric baseboard heaters can be a cost-effective solution for small rooms or spaces that need extra heating.  Remember that you need airflow to circulate the warmth to where you need it, plus be cautious about the electricity costs.

A: Gas fireplaces provide efficient heating with a traditional look, while electric fireplaces offer flexibility and low maintenance.

A: Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs) help improve air quality and recover heat, reducing energy consumption.

A: Electric space heaters are convenient but should be used with caution to avoid fire hazards. They are best for small, enclosed spaces.  Be cautious to not overload the electric circuit supplying the plug that you're using for the heater, as this may also spark fire.

A: Direct exhaust gas heaters provide efficient heating for spaces like garages, workshops and exterior facing rooms, where other systems might struggle with ventilation or reaching from the mechanical room.

A: Hydronic heating systems provide more consistent heat and better air quality because they don?t circulate dust like forced air systems.  Keep in mind that you do need to add some ventilation.

A: Yes, outdoor patio heaters allow you to enjoy outdoor spaces even in colder months, providing warmth for gatherings.  Imagine extending the use of your patio to nine, ten or more months each year ?