Living in Berkeley affords us the luxury of nice weather almost year-round, but it certainly does get cold during the winter. You’ll definitely want to make sure your home’s heater is ready to go to keep you warm during those cold winter nights. While it’s not too difficult to prepare for the colder months, there are some things you’ll want to make sure to do so you have a seamless transition from the fall to the winter. This quick pre-winter home checklist will have you on your way, so you’ll stay plenty warm without wasting too much money.

Replace your filter – This simple task can be done as often as once a month, but it’s especially important to do before you start cranking up the heat. A clean filter prevents debris from getting into your HVAC system, which can cause all sorts of problems. Dirty and clogged air filters slow down your system and put more wear and tear on it, all while wasting energy and money.
Get a heating inspection – It’s a good idea to get your home’s HVAC system checked out before winter and again before summer. Preventative maintenance goes a long way and can help prevent serious and costly problems. On top of that, your warranty may require that you have regular maintenance performed by a qualified professional.
Weatherproof your home – Even if you have the best heating system, that hot air can escape from your home which makes your HVAC unit have to work harder than it should, wasting energy and money. Weatherproofing your home includes proper insulation especially around windows and doors. You can apply weatherstripping and window film as well as caulk to seal up small cracks where pipes go into floors or walls.
Upgrade your thermostat – An old thermostat can be an eyesore, but it could be causing you more problems than its appearance alone. Newer thermostats are more energy-efficient and programmable versions allow you to set your system to keep you warmer while you’re home, while not working as hard when you’re away.

Winter Heating Safety Tips

If you have a wood burning stove, be sure that the flu damper moves freely and can be operated properly
Only use space heaters as secondary heat sources. Keep the area around them free and clear and don’t let children get close to them. Also make sure that their electrical cords are not frayed.
Make sure you have a smoke detector in every room of your home. You should also have a carbon monoxide detector if you’re using a ventless or gas heating system.

Stay Warm with Albert Nahman

Albert Nahman Services is your Berkeley, California heater repair and maintenance expert. We can make sure you’re ready to go for winter by thoroughly inspecting your home’s HVAC unit. Don’t be left in the cold, call us today at (510) 876-9725 to schedule an appointment.