The cold weather has arrived, and with it comes the "ugly cold" that can throw a wrench in your plans. At Eco Home Solutions, we understand how important it is to stay warm and comfortable in your home when the temperatures drop. Here’s how to keep your home cozy and avoid the worst of winter’s chill.
The ugly cold can catch you off guard, but with a few steps, you can ensure your home stays warm:
Sometimes the cold weather reveals bigger problems, such as a malfunctioning heater, excessive drafts, or unsafe heating sources. If you notice uneven heating, strange noises from your furnace, or issues with alternative heat sources, it’s time to call the experts. Our team is ready to diagnose and fix any issues to keep your home comfortable and safe.
Preventative care is key to avoiding the worst of the ugly cold:
Whether it’s a sudden furnace failure, uneven heating, or a heating emergency, Eco Home Solutions is here to help. With 24/7 service, you’ll never have to worry about the ugly cold taking over your home.
Look out for these signs: rising energy bills, uneven heating or cooling, strange noises, frequent repairs, the system's age, poor air quality, lack of comfort, leaks or moisture, outdated tech, and humidity issues at home.
Yes, heat pumps cool homes just like air conditioners do. They use the same technology to move heat from inside to outside.
Winterizing your home's plumbing means getting it ready for cold weather. It helps prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. This saves you from the damage and costs of leaks and pipe bursts.
An aging HVAC system uses more energy to keep your home comfortable, raising your bills. Watching your energy bills can show when it's time for maintenance or a new system.
A heat pump heats and cools your home by moving heat around. It has parts like a compressor, coils, and a valve, all connected by ducts.
Freezing water expands and can burst your pipes. This can cut off your water supply. A burst pipe can also flood your home with hundreds of gallons of water, causing big damage.
Uneven temperatures might mean ductwork problems, old equipment, or an inefficient system. Getting a new, right-sized, and balanced system can fix this and keep your home comfortable.
Heat pumps cool homes as well as air conditioners, if they have a high SEER rating. High-efficiency models can cool as well as the best air conditioners.
Start by turning off the main water valve. Then, open all faucets, flush toilets, and add antifreeze to drains. Set your water heater to the lowest setting or 'vacation mode' to prevent freezing.
Keep your thermostat at least 55°F. Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air in. This helps protect your pipes from freezing.
Noises like banging, rattling, or squealing suggest mechanical issues, like worn parts or loose components. These sounds are serious and could lead to expensive repairs or system failure if ignored.
Heat pumps and air conditioners cool homes but differ in some ways. Heat pumps cost more upfront but save on energy costs over time. They also last less years than air conditioners since they work all year.
First, shut off the valves to the outside water supply. Then, open all outdoor faucets to drain the water. Disconnect and store garden hoses to prevent freezing.
Clean out gutters and downspouts to stop ice buildup. Seal any cracks or gaps in your home's exterior to keep drafts out.
Older HVAC systems need more repairs to keep working. If repairs happen often, it might be cheaper to get a new, reliable system in the long run.
Cooling with a heat pump is similar to an air conditioner. It pulls in warm air, cools it by taking heat from the refrigerant, and sends it outside.
Use foam pipe insulation sleeves to cover your pipes. This keeps heat in and cold out. Wrap pipes in insulation, especially in areas without insulation, to prevent freezing.
Most HVAC systems last 10-15 years, depending on use and care. If your system is getting old, it's time to think about a new, energy-saving model.
Yes, heat pumps can dry out a home better than air conditioners. They remove moisture from the air as it cools, making the air drier.
Close any openings in your home to keep cold air out. Seal crawl space vents and doors, and plug other gaps. Use caulking or spray foam to fill cracks around pipes and foundations.
Weatherstrip doors and windows, and seal around chimneys and vents. This improves energy efficiency and keeps your pipes safe.
Bad air quality, with more dust or allergens, means your system isn't filtering air well. A modern system with better filters and humidity control can improve your air quality.
Heat pumps come in ducted and ductless types. Ducted systems use your home's ducts, while ductless models have indoor and outdoor units connected by lines.
First, turn off your home's main water supply. Then, open all faucets, flush toilets, and run appliances to empty the system. This prevents water from freezing and damaging your plumbing.
If you have a hot water tank, follow the manufacturer's instructions to drain it safely. This helps prevent any issues during the winter.
If you're always adjusting the thermostat or feeling uncomfortable, your system might not be working right. A new, efficient system can give you better control over your home's climate.
Heat pumps save energy, let you control different areas, and are better for the environment than traditional cooling systems.
Keep your thermostat at least 55°F to prevent pipes from freezing. Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air reach the pipes. This helps protect them from freezing temperatures.
Regular maintenance, like tune-ups, filter changes, and inspections, can catch and fix problems early. This can save you from big repairs or replacing your system too soon. It also makes your system last longer and work better.
Getting a heat pump installed right is key for best performance and safety. DIY setups can be less efficient and risky.
Mobile homes need special care to prevent frozen pipes. Insulate all accessible pipes and seal any gaps. Consider using heat tape or cable for extra protection.
New HVAC tech improves energy use, performance, and comfort. Old systems miss out on these benefits. Upgrading to a newer system can save energy and make your home more comfortable.
Heat pumps cost more to install than air conditioners but save money on energy over time. This can make them a good value.
If you're not sure how to winterize your plumbing, hire a professional. A skilled plumber can check your home and make sure everything is ready for winter.
