Trying to keep your home cozy this winter? Here are some tips to get you started right away from us at Thomson AC, offering residential HVAC services in Long Beach, CA. From easy steps like maximizing sunlight to sealing ductwork, we’ve put together a list of five great strategies to help you get more warmth into your home.
- Keep Out Drafts
Older homes, especially in our area, were built for the warmer days of the year. Builders skimped on insulation, especially around basements and attics. We’ve heard stories of homeowners discovering newspaper and sawdust used as insulation in homes from the 1920s to 1960s before fiberglass insulation became more common. Consider adding insulation if you plan to stay in your home long-term, it will help store the heat this winter and keep paying off in the summer by keeping outside heat from getting inside when you run your AC.
- Get a Programmable Thermostat
You won’t have to adjust heat all the time and will save money while keeping your home comfortable by installing a programmable thermostat. Energystar.gov says you can save about $180 a year by properly setting your thermostat. We recommend setting it to 68 degrees while you’re active around the house, and then between 60 and 62 degrees at night while you sleep. Studies show you actually sleep better with temperatures a little lower in the evening, and this will help cut your energy bill, too. When you’re away on vacation for a few days or more, turn the setting down to 55 degrees.
- Check Vents aren’t Covered by Furniture
If you have furniture over your vents, it will be harder for your furnace to distribute heat around your home. It can also affect your furnace’s pressure and make some rooms feel chilly while others get more heat. At least for the winter, rearrange furniture so your system doesn’t have to work harder than necessary trying to compensate for these airflow blockers.
- Take Advantage of the California Sun
Even on a cold winter’s day, the sun still provides free heat to your home. Maximize this by openings windows in the morning. Close shutters, curtains, and blinds at night to keep that heat from escaping.
- Use Those Ceiling Fans
If you have ceiling fans in your home, don’t make the mistake thinking they are just for summer use. You could be using them to keep your home more cozy this winter. In the summer, fans circulate hot air up and away from the family, but you can use your fan in the winter, too. Switch the direction of your fan’s blades to push hot air down towards common areas by locating the reversal switch on the side of your fan. This simple tip could really help bring the warmth down, especially if you have high or vaulted ceilings where heat is getting trapped.
We hope you and your family have a comfortable winter. At Thomson AC we offer residential HVAC services in Long Beach, CA and surrounding areas at a reasonable rate. Call us today to schedule a visit at (562) 201-3014.
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