360-499-6604 During winter, it’s important to ensure your HVAC system operates as effectively and efficiently as possible. Tumwater, Washington, sees average daily highs of 51°F and lows of 36°F throughout the winter season. These cold temperatures mean that you’ll be cranking the heat inside your home all winter long.
How can you ensure your HVAC is working efficiently? G & G Heating is the expert in furnace maintenance in Tumwater. In this guide, we’ll explain why HVAC efficiency in Tumwater is critical to homeowners’ safety and comfort, and offer several winter heating tips.
Why Efficiency Matters During Cold Washington Winters
HVAC efficiency in Tumwater is crucial for several reasons. From lower utility bills to increased reliability, HVAC efficiency during the winter matters. Let’s explore the reasons it’s important to focus on HVAC system optimization in Washington.
Lower Utility Bills
The more efficient your HVAC system is, the lower your monthly utility bills will be. An efficient HVAC runs smoothly and reliably all winter long without driving up costs. If your HVAC isn’t in optimal condition, it can lead to higher heating costs as it has to work harder to heat your home. These energy savings in WA can make a significant difference, especially around the holidays.
Improve Home Comfort
An efficient HVAC system can improve home comfort by providing consistent warmth when and where you need it. Consistent, comfortable indoor temperatures keep your family safe from the cold. You won’t have to worry about drafts or varying temperatures throughout your home when your HVAC is optimized for winter.
Ensure System Reliability
Another benefit of ensuring your HVAC system runs efficiently is improved system reliability. In Tumwater, WA, homeowners must have an effective HVAC system. With cold, fluctuating conditions, your HVAC system helps prevent issues like frozen pipes during winter. Having a reliable heating system gives you peace of mind during the cold-weather months.
Simple Maintenance Steps You Can Do at Home
Let’s discuss some winter heating tips for Tumwater homeowners. Follow these tips to improve the efficiency of your HVAC.
Regularly Change Your Air Filters
Changing your home’s air filters is extremely important to maintaining HVAC efficiency. Dirty or clogged air filters decrease HVAC efficiency, forcing your system to work harder and use more energy to heat your home.
Typically, you should change your air filters every 1 to 3 months, depending on the manufacturer’s guidelines and the type of filters you use. Some heavy-duty filters are designed to last six to 12 months. Changing your air filters improves indoor air quality and prevents overworking your HVAC.
Clean the Coils
HVAC condenser coils are often located outside and can accumulate debris such as dirt, grass, and leaves. When condenser coils are dirty, they impede heat transfer, forcing your system to work harder. Cleaning condenser coils is an easy way to improve efficiency during the winter.
Seal Air Leaks
Air leaks around your home’s windows and doors can easily let warm air escape, reducing the efficiency of your HVAC system. To fix this issue and prevent air from escaping, use caulk and weatherstripping to seal any leaks around windows or doors, as well as in your ductwork. This helps keep your heating system running efficiently.
Use Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans can help circulate heat from your HVAC system. To effectively circulate heat with a ceiling fan, set it to rotate the blades clockwise at a low speed. This will pull cooler air up and push warmer air down, creating a more comfortable environment.
Invest in a Smart Thermostat
Getting a smart thermostat is one of the most effective ways to boost HVAC efficiency. A smart thermostat allows you to set automated schedules for day and night, control settings remotely, and track energy usage. With a smart thermostat, you can turn down your heat while you’re away, even if you forgot to at home.
Inspect Ductwork
Getting a professional ductwork inspection ensures there are no leaks that allow warm air to escape before it reaches your home’s air vents. A ductwork inspection enables you to properly seal any leaks, improving HVAC efficiency.
When to Call for a Professional Furnace Tune-Up
A professional furnace tune-up can be the key to HVAC efficiency in winter. Ideally, you should call a professional HVAC technician for a tune-up annually each fall, before heavy winter use. Also, you should call for a furnace tune-up if you experience any of these issues:
- Inconsistent heating: If your furnace is providing inconsistent temperatures or uneven heating, it is time for a tune-up.
- Strange noises: Unusual sounds like grinding, booming, or rattling can indicate an issue that needs to be addressed promptly.
- Rising energy bills: If you notice your energy bills rising without increased use of your HVAC, it may not be running efficiently.
- Flickering or yellow pilot light: A yellow or flickering pilot light can indicate a gas pressure problem or carbon monoxide leak.
Save Energy and Stay Comfortable with G & G Heating
The winter months mean you’ll want to heat your home safely and effectively. With these winter heating tips, Tumwater homeowners can be prepared to run their furnace efficiently throughout the cold months. Stay comfortable all season long and save on energy costs by taking a few extra steps to boost HVAC efficiency in Tumwater.
Need an HVAC tune-up? Schedule your winter HVAC inspection with the HVAC experts at G & G Heating today.
