With some cooler days and chilly nights, our homes become a warm and cozy getaway. To get the best performance from your heating system, it is important to ensure your home is properly prepared.
While there may be little chance for snow in the Inland Empire valleys, we do experience colder weather, especially at night. Checking that your heating system is working well and going through the proper steps to prepare your home for colder temperatures can assure your safety and save you money.
To help heat your home as efficiently as possible this winter, here are five ways you can prepare your home.
1. Repair Leaks or Drafts
When you’re spending the money and using the energy to heat your home, the last thing you want is for warm air to escape outside. If your home has air leaks or drafts, you may find that it is difficult to keep your home warm.
Take a moment to check windows, doors, vents, plumbing, and electrical or gas lines for any gaps that may be letting cold air in and warm air out. If you find a draft or leak that needs to be repaired, invest in some simple weather stripping or spray foam insulation that can be found at a local hardware store. Check your duct system for rips, disconnections or holes. Having a professional inspect the duct work and take care of any needed repairs is always the best way to go.
2. Clean Your Rain Gutters
Bare trees outside means you might have a gutter full of leaves. While it may not seem like this will affect your home during the winter, if the leaves are clogging up space in your gutters, rain water is left with nowhere to go. When water cannot properly drain, it can seep into your home’s walls and siding, in some cases causing serious damage.
It is a good idea to clean the debris out of your gutters before it becomes a problem. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself, hire a professional service to come out and do the job for you. This one preventative measure just may save you from a major expense (not to mention a serious headache).
3. Check Your Insulation
If your home isn’t properly insulated, you may find yourself cranking up the heat trying to stay warm. Unfortunately, if you have an insulation problem, this will do very little to raise the indoor temperature of your home. With the right insulation, however, you can heat your home more efficiently and save money on your energy bill.
Your home's insulation should meet standard industry guidelines. Pay close attention to the insulation in attic spaces, exterior walls, and basement areas. If your insulation is not sufficiently protecting these areas, schedule an appointment for an estimate to evaluate and replace it if necessary.
4. Clean or Replace Your Air Vents aka Grilles, Registers
Temperature controlled air travels through your duct system and enters rooms in your home through air vents (also known as grilles or registers) located primarily on the ceiling. They may accumulate dirt, dust and pet hair. Dirty registers can cause air flow issues as well as force dust and dirt to be blown into your home, triggering allergies and possibly illnesses.
Before you begin heating your home, wipe down your baseboards, registers, and the surrounding areas. If you’ve moved furniture or hung drapes that block any air vents, be sure to move them as well. This will allow conditioned air to move more efficiently throughout your home. Another way to prepare is to replace old, stamped-face grilles with new directional ones that can be adjusted for optimum air flow.
5. Schedule a Service with Burgeson’s
The best way to prepare your home for cooler temperatures is to have your heating system checked by a professional. When you schedule a routine Service Maintenance appointment with Burgeson’s, our certified technicians will inspect your heating system to ensure that it is working properly. By catching minor problems before they become major, we can help you save money and keep your family comfortable this winter.
Burgeson’s can help you repair, replace, or maintain your heating system this winter. If you’re ready to schedule a maintenance service or considering upgrading to an entirely new system contact us at Burgeson’s Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. As the leading HVAC experts in the Inland Empire since 1949, we want you to know... "Your Comfort Is Our Business."
