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With the Holiday season now past us, we move into the colder months of winter. If you’re from the Sacramento area that means rainy days and cold winds. Further up the Sierra Nevada Foothills, winter storms keep residents reaching for their thermostats. Wherever you are in Placer County, the first few months of the year test a home’s insulation and heating system with cold, wet weather.
Sometimes, our heating systems don’t function as well as we think they should. Energy bills are higher, but the home never seems to get warm enough. Regular upkeep and preventative maintenance ensure your system continues to work into the winter, but what else can you do to get ready?
To better prepare your home for these tougher months, we’ve put together a few winter tips for you to help improve performance and cut energy bills.
There’s just no substitute for a professional inspection. Having your HVAC tuned up will tell you how well the HVAC unit is functioning. A ductwork inspection can help detect if there are any leaks in your ducting, or if certain rooms aren’t getting as much heat. Maki is currently offering a heater tune-up special to our customers.
Air filters keep a good amount of dust, debris, and other particles from entering your ductwork and HVAC; but need to be changed regularly to ensure maximum performance. Your air filter should be changed approximately every 60-90 days.
As seasons change and homes settle, seals around windows and doors can crack and shift; causing loss of insulation and heat. This can cause a drastic increase in utility bills. Take some time and check your window and doors to see if they are properly sealed and insulated. You can use caulking, weather stripping, foam, or other implements to improve the insulation in your home.
This seems like a no-brainer, but many people forget their ceiling fans have a reverse function. During colder months, switch your ceiling fan to rotate clockwise. This pulls warm air from the ceiling down, saving you money on your heating bill.
Smart thermostats are changing the way people heat and cool their homes. These innovative products learn your HVAC habits and self improve over time; saving your money on utility bills during summer and winter months. If you’re not ready to spend the money on a new thermostat, you can reprogram your current thermostat to be a few degrees cooler during night hours, or when you’re away from the home.
Following these tips can help save you money and frustration during the colder months. If you’ve tried these steps and still struggle with your HVAC, fill out the form below to schedule your consultation. One of our friendly, certified technicians would be glad to help you with whatever your home needs.
