East Bay HVAC Tips for Winter
According to statistics, the average home’s heating costs make up 42% of the total energy consumption. Unsurprisingly, a home’s heating costs increase significantly during the winter. There are several things you can do to make your home energy efficient and prevent your heater from overworking.
Insulate your home
One of the most effective ways of preventing heat loss is insulating your home. According to statistics, under-insulated roofs and walls are responsible for up to 15% and 20% of heat loss, respectively.
Upgrade your thermostat
A smart thermostat allows you to turn your heating unit on or off at certain times of the day, depending on your preference. According to Energy Star, using a smart thermostat can help minimize your home’s energy consumption by up to $180 every year.
Prep your heater for the cold season
Dirty or clogged filters will not only increase your home’s energy consumption, but they could also damage your unit. Your HVAC needs to be maintained once every year, preferably by an HVAC contractor. If you live in California, get in touch with BA Morrison, a reputable Castro Valley heating contractor. During the routine maintenance, your contractor will change the filters, clean the coils, and deep clean the lint traps. If they deem it necessary, your East Bay HVAC contractor will seal your unit’s ducts to optimize its efficiency. During the winter, make sure you replace the filters once every month or as often as advised by your contractor.
If your unit is installed in an outdoor area, keep the area around it free of dirt and debris for maximum efficiency.
Seal any gaps on your windows and doors
Using caulk to fill up any cracks on your windows and doors helps to keep the warm air in and the cold out. Use weather stripping tape to seal off the severely problematic areas. Consider replacing your windows with energy-efficient ones if they are old and worn.
Clean your gutters
While doing this has little to do with how well your home performs as far as energy efficiency is concerned, it prevents the formation of ice dams, which could damage your roof.
Get Help From Local Bay Area Heating & Air Experts
The above tips will help you minimize your home’s energy consumption while keeping your home warm and comfortable. Bringing in a professional Bay Area Heating contractor to check on your unit’s efficiency is a great way of preparing for the cold winter months. Contact us through our website for more information.
