Sudden cold weather puts extra strain on your heating system. It has to work harder and longer, which can lead to higher energy bills, less efficiency, and an increased risk of breakdowns. For Texas Hill Country homeowners, this means preparation is key. No one wants to shiver through unexpected freezes or face soaring energy bills because their heating system is struggling to keep up. By tackling potential problems now, you can avoid costly repairs and ensure your family stays warm no matter how cold it gets.
Whether you’re using a heat pump or a furnace, we’re here to help you ensure your heating system is ready to handle whatever Mother Nature throws our way.
Start with a Professional Heating System Checkup
Think of heating maintenance as a winter tune-up for your home. A professional inspection ensures your system is running at peak efficiency, saving you money and preventing mid-winter breakdowns.
Why schedule maintenance?
- Improved efficiency: A well-maintained system uses less energy to heat your home, keeping costs low.
- Prevent breakdowns: Technicians catch small issues—like worn parts or loose connections—before they turn into big problems.
- Extend system lifespan: Regular care adds years to your heat pump or furnace, saving you money on replacements.
Want an easy way to stay on top of maintenance? Join 72 Degrees Texas’s Home Comfort Club for regular tune-ups, priority service, and discounts on repairs.
Optimize Your Thermostat Settings
It’s tempting to crank up the heat on freezing days, but overworking your system can lead to higher bills and unnecessary wear and tear. Here’s how to strike the right balance:
Consider a smart thermostat: Investing in a smart thermostat can take your temperature control to the next level. These innovative devices learn your preferences and automatically adjust settings based on your schedule, ensuring consistent comfort while optimizing energy use. Many smart thermostats also offer remote access via smartphone apps, allowing you to monitor and adjust temperatures even when you’re away from home. With features like geofencing and real-time weather updates, smart thermostats are a powerful tool for maintaining efficient, hassle-free heating during even the most frigid cold snaps.
Set it right: The Department of Energy recommends 68°F when you’re home and awake. Lower it by 7-10°F when you’re asleep or away to save up to 10% on heating costs.
Don’t Forget to Replace Your Air Filters
Air filters play a huge role in keeping your system efficient and your air clean. However, as filters do their job, they gradually become clogged, restricting airflow and forcing your heating system to work harder to maintain comfort.
What to do:
- Check filters monthly during the winter. If you can’t see light through them, it’s time for a change.
- Replace filters every 1-3 months, depending on your home’s needs (pets or allergies may require more frequent changes).
- Not sure what type of filter to use? Our experienced team can assess your heating setup, recommend the ideal filter type and MERV rating, and even handle the replacement process for you.
Seal Drafts and Improve Home Insulation
Keep the cold out and the warmth in by sealing gaps around windows and doors. Adding insulation to your attic and walls can also reduce heat loss, making your home more energy-efficient.
- Quick fixes: Replace worn weatherstripping and use draft stoppers for doors.
- Long-term solutions: Schedule a professional energy audit to identify insulation gaps and areas for improvement.
Upgrade Aging Heating Systems Before They Fail
While regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of your furnace or heat pump, there comes a point when repairs and tune-ups are no longer enough to keep your home comfortable and your energy bills in check. If your heating system is over 10 years old, frequently breaks down, or struggles to heat your home, it might be time for an upgrade. Modern systems are more efficient, reliable, and cost-effective in the long run.
By understanding the signs of a failing system and proactively upgrading to a modern, efficient unit, you can avoid the discomfort and expense of a sudden breakdown during the coldest days of winter.
Signs you need a new system:
- Rising energy bills despite maintenance.
- Uneven heating or cold spots in your home.
- Frequent repairs that cost more than the system is worth.
Our team can help you find the perfect replacement, from high-efficiency furnaces to versatile heat pumps.
Stay Prepared with a Reliable Maintenance Plan
Winter is the worst time for a heating system to fail, but a maintenance plan can help you avoid those emergencies. Our Home Comfort Club ensures your system runs smoothly, giving you peace of mind when you need heat the most.
Why join? Regular maintenance keeps your furnace or heat pump in top shape by catching minor issues before they turn into costly breakdowns. Our skilled technicians will inspect, clean, and tune up your system to maximize efficiency and reliability all winter long.
By investing in proactive care, you’re not just preventing emergency repairs—you’re also creating a warm, worry-free environment for your family. Instead of dealing with unexpected stress, you can focus on enjoying the season with loved ones.
Join the Home Comfort Club and let us take the guesswork out of winter heating, so your home stays cozy no matter how cold it gets.
Trust 72 Degrees Texas to Keep You Warm This Winter
As the icy grip of winter tightens, ensuring your heating system is prepared to handle the challenges of extreme cold is crucial for your family’s comfort and safety. At 72 Degrees Air Conditioning, Heating, and Plumbing, we understand the importance of reliable, efficient heating during the harshest months of the year. Our team of skilled professionals is dedicated to providing the expert maintenance and support your home needs to stay warm and cozy, no matter how low the temperatures drop.
Don’t wait until the cold snap hits to discover your heating system’s limits. Schedule your annual HVAC maintenance service today, and rest easy knowing that your home is in the hands of the Wizards of Comfort. With our 24/7 availability and commitment to excellence, you can trust us to keep your family warm and safe throughout the winter season. Contact us now at (830) 213-2568 or email wecare@72degreestexas.com to experience the peace of mind that comes with a well-maintained, reliable heating system.
