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Use These Resources for Better Weatherproofing

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Weatherproofing is an important part of protecting your home from the elements and preparing it to withstand whatever conditions may be ahead – be it inclement weather or just an extremely hot summer. Cracks and gaps around your doors and windows can allow warm or cool air to escape. This not only makes it harder for you to get comfortable, but it can also waste energy, which drives your monthly utility bills through the roof.

The key to ensuring that your home is efficient and comfortable is adequate weatherproofing. San Francisco homeowners can use the resources below to improve their weatherproofing and, ultimately, their home comfort.

Top Weatherproofing Resources

Not sure where you should start your weatherproofing project? Use the resources below to get the information and tools you need to weatherproof your home successfully:

Tips from The Home Depot

Not only is The Home Depot your go-to place for buying home improvement supplies, but they also provide a wealth of information and how-to tutorials on different home improvement projects, including weatherproofing. In Weatherproofing Your Windows, the site guides you through the weatherproofing process with a step-by-step guide as well as a list of tools that you will need. For information on weatherproofing different kinds of windows, check out this guide which offers you tips for weatherproofing depending on what type of windows you have.

If you want to weatherproof your entry door, they’ve got a guide for that too, complete with a list of tools that you will need to get the job done. Once you’ve looked through the guide, all you need to do is head to the store to pick up the supplies you need. If you still have questions or need advice on weatherproofing, you can ask the store associates as many are familiar with the weatherproofing details and can help you find everything you need.

Lowe’s Weather Stripping Tips

If you’re more of a Lowe’s fan, you’re in luck! This home improvement store also provides helpful guides for weatherproofing your San Francisco home. Use Weather Strip Your Doors to learn all you need to know about how to seal your doors properly. This guide includes a list of materials as well as a simple guide with 5 steps to weather stripping your doors.

Your doors are not the only place where cool or warm air can escape. Lowe’s has also created a short and simple guide to Weather Stripping Your Windows. This guide discusses the importance of weatherizing your home, and gives a list of tools that you will need to tackle your window weather stripping for double-hung windows and casement windows. With instructions laid out in a few easy steps, you’ll be on your way to adequate weatherproofing in no time!

Does your HVAC system need a spring cleaning? Schmitt Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help with all of your San Francisco air conditioning and heating needs. Call us today to schedule an HVAC repair or maintenance visit: (415) 522-0966.

Schmitt’s Top Winter Resources for Homeowners

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year… although some homeowners don’t always feel that way. It can be difficult to get comfortable in the winter, not to mention many homeowners find their energy bills are going through the roof while they try to stay warm in the cooler weather. Meanwhile, many homeowners are trying to protect their homes from the damage that winter weather can cause.

Though winter may be a tough time of the year for homeowners, it doesn’t have to feel like a burden. Below, we have put together some of our top winter resources for homeowners. You can use these articles to better protect yourself against cold temperatures and inclement weather and you may even save a little money in the process.

How to Stay Comfortable in Winter

If you’re trying to stay comfortable this winter, then you may want to read through some of these winter resources for homeowners from Schmitt:

How Can I Reduce My Energy Costs in the Winter?

It seems like winter is the season for high energy usage. Whether it’s because you are turning up the heat, hanging out at home more often, or just taking part in all of the festivities that this time of year brings, one thing is for sure – everyone could use a few tips for saving energy and decreasing utility costs during the winter. Check out this article for some helpful tips on how you can work to decrease your energy costs during the winter.

Carbon Monoxide: The Facts

It is important to protect yourself and your family from the dangers of carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly in some cases. Monitoring for CO in your home is especially important during the winter months when you tend to use your heater or furnace more often. In this article, we explain the basics of carbon monoxide and how it impacts your health as well as discuss the importance of carbon monoxide alarms, which may very well save your life someday.

Understanding the Importance of Changing Your Air Filter

Changing or cleaning your air filter on a regular basis may seem like IAQ 101, but some homeowners don’t realize just how much their clogged or dirty air filter can impact both their indoor air quality and the efficiency of their heating and cooling equipment. If you find yourself using your heat often during the winter, it’s important to check your furnace filter regularly and change when necessary. Share this article with someone you know who hasn’t changed their air filter in months!

If you enjoyed these winter home resources from Schmitt then you may enjoy our HVAC blog, which we update monthly with articles on HVAC, home improvement, home comfort, and much more. If you want to stay up-to-date with the latest in home comfort, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+. We love interacting with our fans and posting informative articles and special promotions year-round.

3 Top Tips for Heating Your Home More Efficiently this Winter

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As winter approaches, many homeowners are getting ready for the holiday season and turning on their heater for the first time. As you start to turn up the heat, it’s important to be aware of your energy use as it can start to drive your heating bills through the roof. The key to keeping heating costs down during the winter is taking the necessary steps to heat your home more efficiently.

Energy Saving Tips for Efficient Heating

Want to save money on heating costs this winter? We’ve put together a list of energy saving tips for heating your home more efficiently this winter:

  1. Inspect and improve home insulation.

Poor insulation can allow heat to escape. When you waste energy, your electricity bills tend to skyrocket. It’s important to inspect your home insulation and check for drafts. Replace any damaged or missing weather-stripping around your doors and windows. Adjust any door thresholds to eliminate any gaps that may allow warm air to escape. Don’t forget to check your electrical boxes for drafts, and fill any gaps with latex caulk or foam sealant. A little work can go a long way when it comes to home insulation as even the tiniest leaks and cracks can make an impact on your heating costs.

  1. Use a space heater when you can.

You can use a space heater to help reduce heating costs when your family is all together during the holidays. Place the heater in the area where your family is gathering, like the living room or den. Then, turn down the furnace temperature. Though the rest of your home will be cooler, this is a good solution for families that are spending a lot of time together in one area of the home during the holidays. According to the California Energy Commission, you can save 5% on energy costs by setting your thermostat to the 60- to 70-degree range. The space heater will still use electricity, but you can save a significant amount of energy by cutting down on your furnace use and utilizing a space heater when you can.

  1. Tune up your furnace.

One of the best ways to save energy throughout the year is to ensure that your HVAC system is running as efficiently as possible. Make sure that you get your annual furnace or heater tune-up before the heating season starts. During this maintenance visit, an experienced HVAC technician will ensure that your heating system is clean, lubricated, and working properly. This increases energy efficiency and can help you save money on heating costs in the long run.

If you are ready to take the next step toward optimal efficiency, Schmitt Heating and Air Conditioning is ready to help you find a brand new, high-efficiency heating and air conditioning system. Contact us today to find out more about your options or to schedule a consultation with one of our heating and cooling experts.

Understanding the Basics of Your HVAC System

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Knowing the basics of how HVAC systems work can give homeowners a greater appreciation for their system, inform them as to maintenance tasks they should be performing, help them diagnose problems, and communicate with technicians.

Types of HVAC Systems

There are several types of heating and air conditioning systems in modern homes. In climates that only experience one temperature extreme, a single-stage system may provide either heat or cold to a home. These systems are inexpensive but inefficient and are not commonly used.

Conventional systems will combine a furnace and an air conditioning unit to provide both heating and cooling capabilities. Most of these setups will have single-speed fans, which are only capable of running at full speed or being turned off. Newer systems may have variable-speed fans that run at various speeds to provide greater energy efficiency.

Zoning heating and air conditioning systems allow homeowners to control the temperature of multiple “zones” within their home individually. These systems allow greater comfort within a home and increased energy efficiency, but are more expensive than traditional systems.

Heat pumps are becoming a popular choice for replacing conventional systems. Heat pumps only move heat from one area to another, allowing them to function while using far less energy than other systems. Different types of heat pumps use different sources for heat and work more efficiently down to cooler temperatures.

6 Things Homeowners Should Know About Their System

Homeowners should understand the basics of their own system. Some important details include:

  1. Location of ducts. Air ducts carry conditioned air throughout a home. These ducts are essential to the heating and air conditioning system. Leaking or blocked ducts can keep air from reaching part of the house.
  2. Type of refrigerant. Federal law required the phasing out of refrigerant R-22 last year. Any that remains for repairing systems will be far more expensive than coolant R-410A.
  3. Location of the indoor parts of the system. Furnaces are usually located indoors, as is part of the air conditioning system. Homeowners need to know the location of these and keep an eye on their drain pans to be aware of any damaging leaks.
  4. Location of outdoor sections. The outdoor section of air conditioners need to be kept clean and clear of debris, so homeowners should know where this is and how to clean it.
  5. Seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER). SEER ratings measure the energy efficiency of air conditioners. Higher ratings denote more efficient units.
  6. Air filter information. Air filters are the part of HVAC systems that need the most frequent maintenance. Homeowners can usually perform this maintenance if they know where the filter is located and the type of filter needed. Some filters can be cleaned, but many are simply replaced.

Homeowners who know what type of HVAC system their home uses and the basics listed above will find themselves better able to keep their systems running efficiently, and will be able to communicate more clearly with technicians.

Have any additional questions about your HVAC system? We love educating our customers about how their systems work. Contact us today.

The Importance of Home Comfort for Everyone in Your Family

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Home is much more than just a shelter, it is also a place where we can feel secure and comfortable. We spend so much time in our homes that home comfort becomes more than just a luxury, but a necessity. Your indoor environment is an important part of creating a comfortable home environment for everyone in your family. Maintaining optimal temperatures and indoor air quality allows you to provide a home environment that is not only comfortable but also healthy.

Why Home Comfort is Essential

There are 3 basic factors that contribute to home comfort – temperature control, humidity, and air quality. Temperature regulation is not only important for comfort. It can also impact health. Living in conditions that are too cold or too warm can cause health issues for those with weakened immune systems, such as newborns, infants, and elderly individuals.

Humidity can also impact both comfort and health. When your home environment is too dry, it may make it difficult to breathe and cause health issues such as dry skin. When humidity levels are too high, this increases moisture levels, which can also cause breathing difficulties. Large amounts of moisture can invite mold and mildew into the home, which causes a variety of health issues including serious respiratory problems.

Indoor air quality is also an important factor that impacts home comfort. Pollutants, allergens, and other contaminants from the outdoors enter your home as people leave and return. These pollutants can impact respiratory health, triggering asthma symptoms and asthma attacks. In extreme circumstances, this may even cause allergies or asthma in those who have not experienced it before.

Tips for Maintaining Home Comfort

There is no magic recipe for ideal home comfort. Comfort levels depend on personal preferences. However, there are some general elements that need to be monitored to keep your home environment safe and healthy. Here are some tips for helping maintain a comfortable home environment for you and your family:

  • Make sure that your home temperatures are kept at a comfortable and healthy level. Using a programmable or smart thermostat can help you maintain temperatures throughout the year.
  • Monitor humidity levels within your home. Research shows that the best humidity levels for health and safety are between 40-60%. If you find that humidity levels fall below or rise above this humidity level, consider implementing HVAC add-ons like dehumidifiers or humidifiers.
  • Take measures to reduce pollutants and improve indoor air quality. One of the best ways to do this is by changing or replacing your air filters regularly so that they can continue to keep allergens and pollutants from dispersing in your home. It is also vital to keep your home clean, especially carpets, curtains, and furniture which can trap pollutants.

Maintaining a comfortable home environment is vital to keeping your family healthy and happy. If you need advice on how to maintain home comfort or improve indoor air quality, contact us today.