During the winter months in Whittier, CA, help keep your house warm and comfortable by properly maintaining and managing your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. The following guide will offer some useful HVAC tips on how to warm your house this winter and, at the same time, save on energy costs.
1. Schedule Regular Checkups
Regular maintenance of your HVAC system is crucial, especially before winter hits. A professional technician can detect and fix minor issues early. This prevents issues from turning into major, costly repairs in the dead of winter.
A professional can also clean and tune up your system for optimal performance. Scheduling regular checkups not only ensures your comfort but also prolongs the lifespan of your HVAC system. This can also contribute to energy efficiency, leading to lower utility bills.
2. Insulate Your Home Adequately
Effective insulation is a key factor in retaining heat in your home. Check for drafts in areas such as windows, doors, attics, and walls. If you find any, consider weather-stripping, caulking, or adding insulating material. Insulating your home reduces the frequent heating of cold air, improving energy efficiency and reducing the workload on the system.
You could also lower the thermostat by several degrees but maintain warmth when your home is well insulated. By taking this small step, there is a great possibility of saving on energy bills in the long run.
3. Change Your Filters
A heating system’s air filters are among the most ignored parts of an HVAC system when it comes to optimal indoor air quality. You should change your air filters every 30 to 90 days, especially during the winter when dust and allergens accumulate quickly.
Blocked filters limit the passage of air through your furnace. As a result, your system works harder. This translates to higher bills and more damage to the system due to overworking. Clean filters also promote healthier air quality, especially for those with respiratory issues or allergies. Opt for high-quality HEPA filters to trap even the tiniest particles and improve indoor air quality.
4. Utilize Ceiling Fans
Contrary to popular belief, ceiling fans aren’t just for the summer. Most ceiling fans have a switch that changes the direction of the blades. By flipping this switch, you can make the blades rotate clockwise during the winter. This forces warm air, which naturally rises to the ceiling, back down into the room. Utilizing ceiling fans in this way can help maintain a comfortable room temperature and reduce the need for high thermostat settings. This leads to significant energy savings.
5. Install a Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats allow you to schedule different heating and cooling functions all day long so that your HVAC system will keep your home comfortable while maximizing efficiency. An example would be programming your thermostat to reduce your indoor temperature when you leave for work. It would raise when you arrive home. This not only saves energy but also provides a consistently comfortable environment. Many modern programmable thermostats also come with smart features, such as remote control and learning capabilities.
6. Keep Your Vents Clear
Blocked vents can significantly impact your HVAC system’s efficiency. Ensure that furniture, drapes, and other objects do not block the vents in your home. That promotes the free movement of hot air in the room, which warms your house. Also, keep the vents clean to eliminate any collected dirt. Besides improving indoor air quality, doing this helps reduce the risk of harm to your HVAC system.
7. Consider a Zoned System
A zoned HVAC system allows you to independently control the temperature of different areas or zones in your home. This means you can heat only the occupied areas, saving energy and reducing strain on the system. Additionally, zoned systems can help solve common heating issues, such as uneven temperatures throughout the house. Consult a professional to see if a zoned HVAC system is right for your home.
Using the above winter HVAC tips will help ensure a warm and conducive interior throughout this period. It can also promote energy efficiency and enhance your HVAC system’s longevity. Do not wait for the heating season to begin before starting this routine.
At Spot On Heating, Air & Plumbing, we work to ensure your home remains warm, comfortable, and energy-efficient all year round. Our professional team provides quality HVAC, plumbing, and electric service for the people of Whittier and other nearby towns. Call us today to schedule an appointment.