How to Prepare Your Heater for Winter
It’s always a good idea to plan ahead for winters in Green Valley, Sahuarita & the surrounding communities. There are steps you can take to improve comfort, increase energy efficiency and trim those heating bills. Green Valley Cooling & Heating is happy to help. Our technicians are NATE-certified, receive over 100 hours of training updates per year and have the experience and know-how to service all makes and models of heating systems. Our expertise covers the performance of the duct system, identifying areas of energy waste and solving air quality problems.
Here Are Some Tips to Winterize Your Home’s Interior:
-
Seal up those cracks
– Look for any openings in exterior walls, around pipes and in the foundation where outdoor air can find its way inside. Exterior caulk or foam insulation works well to seal them up. Inspect the roof for missing shingles or broken tiles. Clean gutters and downspouts to promote proper operation. You may need to replace weatherstripping on the exterior of door frames and windows.
-
Inspect fireplace and chimney
– The chimney requires inspection every fall to ensure safety. Check that it’s clear of animal or bird nests. Verify that the flue opens and closes completely and effectively locks in both positions. Be certain the chimney drafts properly. Light a small fire and if the smoke fails to rise up and out, clean the chimney with the tools designed for the job.
-
Install storm windows
– A frequent source of wintertime heat loss, the addition of storm windows can make a big difference. Check to be sure that windows are tightly closed.
-
Schedule furnace maintenance
– Green Valley Cooling & Heating provides one-time tune-ups and the convenience of maintenance plans to ensure the reliable, efficient and long-term operation of your heating system. Don’t forget to change air filters regularly. We offer a full line of services, including duct sealing and cleaning.
-
Winterize the water heater
– Increase efficiency and save money by insulating the hot water tank with a water heater blanket. Set the temperature around 120 degrees, and if you’re headed off on vacation, lower the water heater temperature or set it to “vacation” mode rather than shutting it down and draining it.
-
Insulate exposed pipes
– Lower heating bills, conserve energy and avoid freezing pipes by investing into a pipe insulation kit. Those water pipes that travel through cold areas such as attics, garages and crawl spaces are a good place to start. Don’t overlook hot water lines and the pipes that connect to the hot water heater. While they take longer to freeze, they are quicker to burst than cold-water lines.
