Winter Energy Saving Tips

Posted onAuthortorreshomeservices

Winter Energy Saving Tips

 

The following tips can not only help keep you more comfortable during the winter, they can also help you save energy and money. How’s that for a win-win-win? Some of these tips may cost a little more money upfront but will save you money in the long run. Some of these tips also apply to air conditioning.

 

  • Make sure the weather stripping around all of your windows and doors is intact

Some weather stripping may need to be replaced every few years or so due to wear and tear, so make sure to check it regularly.

  • Keep doors and windows closed and locked if possible while your heater is on

Keeping windows and doors locked can help tighten the seal.

  • Adjust your thermostat

Keep it as low as comfortable. Lowering the temperature while you’re out of the house or asleep can save you up to 10% or more on heating costs alone. Consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat if you don’t already have one. These allow you to set a schedule so you’re not wasting money and energy by heating or cooling your home while you’re not there or while you’re sleeping. There’s quite a few options these days including wi-fi programmable thermostats which give you total control from anywhere with an app as long as you can connect to the internet and some that even work with smart home devices such as those from Google, Amazon and Apple. Some thermostats are also eligible for energy rebates. Check with your power company to see if they have a rebate program.

  • Replace old/worn curtains and blinds

Replacing old and worn curtains and blinds with energy saving and insulating ones helps to keep your home warmer by blocking/trapping cold air drafts that can come in from windows and keeps warm air in which cuts down on energy costs because your heater won’t have to work as hard.

  • Soak up those sun rays

Lucky for us in southern California we get a lot of sunshine. Even when it’s chilly outside opening the curtains/blinds during the day can let heat from the sun in and help warm your home. Just make sure to close them when the sun starts going down to help keep that warm air in and the cold air out.

  • Seal any gaps around windows, doors, chimneys or utility cut-throughs where air can leak in or out

Utility cut-throughs can be from pipes and wires that come in the house from outside.

  • Schedule a heater inspection and tune-up yearly to keep your system running safely and efficiently

What’s included in an inspection? Well that will vary depending on the system/unit you have, but can include the following and more:

– Testing the thermostat calibration

– Checking all of the electrical connections to make sure they are tight and the wires are not showing signs of corrosion

– Testing the system/unit’s safety controls which prevents overheating and reduces the risk of a fire

– Checking the duct system for leaks

– Checking the burner for proper ignition

– Examining the heat exchanger for any signs of cracks or corrosion

– Checking belts for signs of wear

– Checking the air filter

– Checking fuel lines for leaks that could be a fire hazard or allow harmful fumes into your home

– Checking the pilot or electronic ignition to make sure it’s functioning properly

– Testing the burner to make sure it’s operating correctly

If you have an older system consider upgrading to an energy efficient system that can also help save money, and there may be rebates available.

  • Reduce the amount of heat that escapes through your fireplace

– Keep the damper closed while no fire is burning

– Check the seal around the chimney flue damper

– If you never use your fireplace, consider plugging the chimney flue

  • Replace your air filter regularly

A dirty and clogged air filter restricts air flow and makes your system work harder which costs more money in energy and repairs. It can also cause your system to wear out much faster.

  • Consider a zoning or mini-split system

These allow you to control the temperature in individual rooms instead of the whole house at once.

 

If you have any questions or are interested in repairing or upgrading your current heating system, please give us a call at 818-242-6636 or 626-441-4409. Also, be sure to visit our Heating Services page at www.TorresHomeServices.com/heating where you can request a service appointment or consultation and see a more detailed list of our heating services. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Al & Robin Torres Home Services

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