Prep For Thanksgiving Weather Today

Right around Thanksgiving, the weather starts to cool off in greater Sarasota-Bradenton-Venice Metro and surrounding areas. As the temperature drops, utility bills tend to rise. Fortunately, there are easy ways to conserve energy and still keep a comfortable home. At Aqua Plumbing & Air, we specialize in year-round temperature control. We are always happy to share helpful tips, explain the latest innovations in heating/cooling and provide skilled services anywhere across Manatee, Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, Parrish, South Venice, Palmetto, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat Key, Siesta Key, and Ellenton, FL.

Here are 6 ways to prep for Thanksgiving weather:

• Seal up leaks – Did you know up to a third of the average home’s heat loss is by way of windows and doors? Heated air leaks out of the house and outdoor air finds its way in through cracks and gaps. Electrical outlets, baseboards, plumbing pipes, and attics are common problem areas. Caulking works to prevent drafts and contain warm air inside, often saving the household 10 to 20% on yearly heating/cooling bills. Weatherstripping can trim costs by 5 to 10%.
• Curtains – Curtains installed tight to the windows can help to reduce heat loss by 25%. Opening curtains on sunny days take advantage of free solar energy to boost temperatures. Don’t forget to close curtains at night and over shaded windows and consider thermal lined panels to insulate against the cold.
• Lower the thermostat – Lowering the thermostat setting by seven to ten degrees for eight hours per day can save up to 10% on annual heating bills. Turning the thermostat down 10 to 15 degrees while you sleep can cut heating bills by 10%. Smart thermostats can be programmed to automatically adjust the temperature when the house is empty or the family is asleep.
• Replace air filters – Some filters can be cleaned and reused while others need to be replaced. A dirty filter restricts airflow through the system, forcing the heater to run longer, work harder and use more energy. Plus, contaminants are more likely to infiltrate the inner workings, settle on components and diminish efficiency, capacity, and performance.
• Lower water heater temperature – Adjusting the temperature on the home’s water heater from 140 degrees down to 120 degrees can save up to $400 per year, and you won’t detect a difference when showering. Scheduling water heater maintenance from licensed plumbers from Aqua Plumbing & Air ensures that equipment operates at peak efficiency and reliability.
• Heating system maintenance – One of the most important items on the annual fall to-do list is preventive heating system upkeep. Through intensive testing, tuning, lubricating, cleaning, tightening, and troubleshooting, the certified HVAC techs from Aqua Plumbing & Air maximize heating unit efficiency, dependability, airflow, safety, and longevity.