When we think of California it’s usually sunshine and warm weather that crosses our minds first. But, cooler days and frosty nights and even a few snow flurries are not out of the question for Santa Rosa residents.
The best way to keep your home comfortable for you and your family during the chilly winter season, is to keep your furnace in good working order.
And, as with all weather related events, you need to be prepared for those times when there are issues with the heating equipment and you have to wait for the contractor to come to your rescue.
Here are some winterizing tips that will not only let you stay safe and warm if you need help after hours in Santa Rosa, they will also help reduce your energy costs.
Do it yourself tips
There are a number of things that you can do on your own to make sure that you and your family are comfortable during the winter months.
Schedule a furnace check-up.Have professional HVAC contractors come in and check your furnace once a year. Schedule the appointment in the fall, before things get hectic in the winter months. The contractors make sure your furnace, chimneys, vents, flues and any other HVAC equipment is safe to use and is working efficiently. Having a yearly fall inspection will also prevent a small problem from becoming larger, more costly Santa Rosa furnace repair issue.
Change the filter.You should change your filter every three months; once a month is better if you or someone in your home suffers from allergies or you have pets. Changing your filter eliminates dust and allergens and also helps you save money on your energy bills.
Seal cracks.As the temperature drops you may notice cold air coming in around the windows, doors, pipes and vents in your home. Use caulking or weather stripping around problem areas to stop the cold air from coming in.
Get a carbon monoxide detector.Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly. Install carbon monoxide detectors on each level of your home and near where you sleep. Change batteries every six months to guarantee that your detector is working properly.
Simple solutions
You don’t need to be a do-it-yourself master to make sure that you and the family stay safe and warm at home during a power outage, an after-hours Santa Rosa furnace problem or in other times of distress. All you need to do is use a little common sense and you will be snug as a bug until the heat is working again.
Extra blankets.Yes, it seems like a little thing, but having a few extra blankets in your home will help keep you warm on colder nights and they are even more appreciated if you’re waiting for the furnace repair contractor to arrive to fix an issue with the heating system. You never know when your furnace may break down so, as the old saying goes, better to be safe than sorry. Keep enough blankets around so that you and all family members will be able to cover up and stay warm until the heat is up and going again.
Let the sunshine in. Open drapes, especially those covering south-facing windows, will allow the sun to heat your home. This is an easy and inexpensive way to warm things up.
If you have any further questions about winterizing your home or any other HVAC issues, please feel free to contact us atAffordable Heating and Air at 707-953-3345. We have been proudly serving the Santa Rosa area for 25 years.
This article was first published in Affordable Heating and Air Blog. 10,13.14.