Pacific Northwesterners are familiar with the wet, windy, and often freezing weather that happens every winter. This time of year is cold and blustery. So, make sure you have a warm place to come back to! No matter what the weather does outside, our team at Specialty Heating and Cooling is here to help you stay comfortable. And we’ll help you save energy at the same time. Here are some ways to help with that.

Don’t forget about your filters.
They might not be easily seen, but they are one of the most important parts of your heating system! Unfortunately, many people forget to clean or change air filters regularly. Did you know that if your filters aren’t cleaned or changed every month or every other month, they will get clogged with dust, debris, dirt, pet hair, and other unsafe particles? Clogged filters cause the system to run harder. In turn, this uses excess energy. This can put strain on the machine, which contributes to a decreased lifespan. Air filters are inexpensive and easy to change or clean. It’s one of the simplest home maintenance tasks out there. And the benefits of keeping them clean are huge!

Don’t forget to schedule professional maintenance.
Machines aren’t built to last forever, sadly. But you can get the most life out of your heating system by taking care of it and staying on top of regular maintenance. Regular professional tune-ups allow for steady energy usage and increased reliability.  Our licensed and trained technicians at Specialty Heating and Cooling will check the inside components of your furnace, ductless heat pump, or heat pump and make sure it is running as it should. If there is something causing strain on the machine that could pose a problem for the system or cause increased utility bills somewhere down the line, we’ll discuss what adjustments are required.

Seal windows and doors.
Proper insulation in your home or commercial space helps keep warm air inside. But that’s just one component of keeping warmth in. Check your windows and doors to see if there are any gaps or drafty spots. If you can feel cold air coming from those areas, caulk or add weather stripping to the area. This is an affordable way to seal those spots where cold air tries to get in. This helps with energy costs, is better for the environment, and also means the inside is heated more evenly.

December is in full swing and it’s a great time to evaluate your energy usage and find some ways to cut back on costs. Call us today to schedule your Aeroseal duct sealing, furnace repair or tune-up, or to get a quote for a new heating system. We look forward to keeping you comfortable this winter, and all year long!