Bradley Electrical, Plumbing, Heating, Alternative Energy | Home Maintenance
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Home Maintenance

With the changing seasons in the Tahoe Basin, homeowners are faced with a variety of home maintenance needs.

Forced Air, Boiler & Radiant Heater Service

Local Gas companies and HVAC specialists recommend you have your heating/cooling system serviced by professionals a minimum of once per year. The ideal time is between the heating and cooling seasons.

Forced Air Heater Filters

Make a habit of replacing your furnace filters or cleaning your electrostatic filters every month or two. Use your monthly natural gas bill as a friendly reminder. Clogged filters waste energy and make your heating/cooling system work harder. A regularly scheduled service on your system in the fall and spring will ensure you are warm all winter long.

Water Heater Service

You use more hot water in winter. Lower the water heater temperature from 140 degrees to 120 degrees, and take showers, not baths. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average bath consumes up to 25 gallons of hot water, while a five-minute shower uses up much less — only around 10 gallons. Equipping your showers with low-flow showerheads also dramatically reduces the consumption of water, both hot and cold.

Winterize your home

  • Heater serviced
  • Change filters
  • Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
  • Check hot water heaters for leaks and proper temp setting
  • Check insulation under house and on pipes
  • Inspect thermostat for function and proper setting
  • Close chimney flues (if not being used)

Lower the Thermostat

Each degree you lower the thermostat on your heating system decreases your fuel bill by 3 percent. Going from 72 degrees down to 68 degrees doesn’t matter much in terms of comfort, but it can save up to 12 percent on your heating bill. (All temperatures are in degrees Fahrenheit.) If you’re using a coil-type thermostat, you’ll get more accurate readings if you clean it. Pop off the thermostat cover and blow or gently swipe away the dust.