Comfort Supply's Blog by Clay Blevins

Below is some great information from Temp Control LLC, a Ruud Top Contractor, on winterizing your home for winter. With the snowfall this morning, winter may be on your mind!

WINTERIZE YOUR HEATING SYSTEM TO SAVE MONEY THIS WINTER

There is no denying that winter energy bills can be a shock. One way to absorb that shock is to contribute to your utility provider’s “winter fund” throughout the year. Another way – requiring no yearlong commitment – is to winterize your home and heating system.

Temp Control LLC, a Nashville-based dealer of Ruud HVAC equipment, suggested a few easy tips to help you winterize your heating system and reduce your energy needs this winter.

The simplest way to improve the efficiency of your HVAC system is to change your air filter every 30 days. “Your furnace works harder to push heat through a dirty filter,” Eloy Saban, owner of Temp Control LLC, said. “A dirty filter uses more energy, circulates allergens and can even cause a fire.”

Temp Control LLC’s crews tell their customers to buy filters in bulk and change them every month when they pay their utility bills. “That way they won’t forget. It becomes part of their routine,” Saban said.

Schedule an annual heating checkup by a qualified technician. Coil cleanings on heat pumps and combustion chamber cleanings on gas furnaces can reduce your utility bills. Through the In-Home Energy Evaluation Program, the Tennessee Valley Authority offers rebates and financing on these types of energy improvements.

Sometimes maintenance reveals hidden safety concerns. Rusted or cracked heat exchangers can release carbon monoxide into your home. “Ask your service technician if your heat exchanger shows signs of rust or cracks, and if so repair immediately,” Saban warned. “At the bare minimum keep carbon monoxide detectors in your home.”

If possible, invest in a programmable thermostat. “If saving money is your main objective, a programmable thermostat makes a lot of sense,” Saban added that by programming the temperature of your home down during work and night hours you can cut down on your energy bill and extend the life of your HVAC system. “You don’t have to compromise on comfort to stay warm this winter. Little adjustments can have a big impact on the life and efficiency of your heating system.”

About Temp Control LLC: Family owned and operated in the heart of Music City. Temp Control LLC is an accredited business with the Better Business Bureau, a Ruud Top Contractor, and a member of TVA’s Quality Contractor Network. Temp Control LLC uses green operating practices. Find them on the web at www.tempcontrolac.com or call 615-837-4449.