How to stay warm in the cold season
Most folks have winter heating issues. Yes, even in Cathedral City. Sure, the fact that the average winter temperature here never goes below 46 degrees might make it seem mild. No one lives in this area because they like being cold, and after a while you end up getting used to the heat. What once seemed only mildly chilly might be intolerably cold to you after so much time in Southern California. What can you do to maintain your heating in Cathedral City? Keep reading to find out. These tips are also handy if you happen to live in a colder climate.
Simple fixes for heating
The best heating system in the world isn’t going to do you a whole lot of good if the hot air keeps escaping. You need to make sure that your home is properly insulated. Before the cold season hits, make an inspection around your property. If you notice any cracks between the windows and the walls, make sure to seal them up with silicone caulking.
Installing high-efficiency windows also insulates your home from losing too much heat. When you have the heater running, keeping the curtains closed also adds another layer of insulation to keep the heat from escaping. Manufacturers also produce high-efficiency doors. Or, as a temporary fix you can seal up the crack at the bottom of your doors by placing down a towel, packing material or something else.
If you have an attic, you can double up on the insulation in the roof. Adding an extra layer prevents more heat from escaping from the top. This fast and simple fix can save you quite a bit in the long run.
Stepping up the heat level
IF you’re serious about making your house much warmer, there are more steps to take.No matter how you do it, heating your home is going to take money. If you follow these guidelines, you can vastly reduce the cost.
Smart thermostats
The thermostat controls the level of heat in your home. With most traditional units you either slide a lever or turn a knob to select your desired temperature. Newer models, called smart thermostats, allow you to customize the level of heat in your home. For instance, you can set it to turn off automatically around bedtime. Since you’re going to be bundled up in a blanket, you won’t need the heat on. The same goes for having the thermostat turn off when you’re at work, and then on again in time for your house to heat up by the time you get home. Automatic control of the heat saves you money on energy costs.
HVAC installation
If you don’t already have an HVAC system, consider getting one. HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. It features a series of ducts that carry air to every room in the house. This setup is ideal for houses where every room is likely to have someone in them at any given time. The ventilation ducts used to circulate warm air in the winter also allow you to run cold air in the summer, provided you have your air conditioner set up.
Efficiency additions
Electricity isn’t cheap, but there is something you can do to mitigate your energy bill, even when you have the heater running. The highs in the winter season are up to 68 degrees, and Cathedral City gets its fair share of sun. Installing solar panels helps to lower your electric bill by converting the sun’s rays into energy that you don’t have to buy from the utility company. The panels are even more efficient in the summer, pulling double duty.
You have two options when installing solar panels. Some companies provide them at a very deep discount. This is attractive because it’s usually quite expensive to get them set up. The flip side of these companies is that they retain ownership of the panels, including a yearly tax bonus. If you want a long-term tax benefit from solar panels, you’re going to have to pay full price for them. That said, once you have them set up, you start to see savings right away. In fact, if you manage to make more energy than you consume, the utility company has to buy back the excess, all while you stay nice and toasty at home.
Upgrades to your appliances
No matter what you do, your heating system is probably going to be one of, if not the biggest drains on your electrical bill. To reduce your expenses, consider making other devices more efficient. If your appliances cost less to run, it can offset your heating.
One way to lower the amount of electricity that your devices use is to opt for appliances with the Energy Star logo. This rating shows that a specific piece of equipment is generally more energy efficient. You especially want your washer, dryer, water heater, TV, computer and other always-on or high-energy devices to be Energy Star-certified.
Heating professionals in Cathedral City
Every home is different, and no one article can cover all of the bases. After making these changes, it’s a good idea to call in a professional. Desert Air Conditioning is your premiere option for heating in Cathedral City. We’ve been in business for years and know the region’s climate very well. Our team understand what you need to stay comfortable year-round. They can work with you to identify areas for improvement, as well as installing new systems.
Even if you’re not getting a new heater, Desert Air Conditioning in Cathedral City can make your home more efficient. It can be as simple as a repair or tune-up to your existing heater and air conditioner. All you have to do to set up a free consultation is give us a call or fill out the contact form on this site. Our knowledgeable consultants sit down with you and go over the optimal strategy for your home. There’s no need to be uncomfortable or to pay exorbitant energy bills. Let Desert Air Conditioning take care of you today.