Walton Gas customer service pros share simple tips for comfort and cost control
Keeping your home warm this winter probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind as you’re sweating your way through the final days of summer and early fall. However, now is the ideal time to prepare for the season ahead, say the customer care professionals at Walton Gas.
“A little early prep now can make a big difference in comfort and cost all season long,” advises Phil Weatherly, director of business development.
Performing some do-it-yourself maintenance and cleaning before temperatures drop will help ward off the cold, keep heating bills under control and make your home more energy efficient.
Fall Maintenance Checklist
- Schedule a checkup. September is prime time for getting heating systems ready for the winter season. In fact, Sept. 25 is National Tune-Up Day, a day designated to remind homeowners to call a licensed professional to schedule a heating system checkup. This will ensure your system is clean and ready to run efficiently (airflow problems alone can reduce efficiency by 15%). A checkup can find problems early and save you the inconvenience, discomfort and expense of a breakdown during a cold snap. TIP: Need help finding a natural gas contractor? Atlanta Gas Light offers a free search tool for locating qualified technicians in your area.
- Check filters. Regularly inspecting, cleaning or replacing air filters is the easiest thing you can do to help your heating system operate at peak efficiency. Every few weeks, take out your filter and give it a look. If it has only a subtle layer of dirt under which the filter’s material is still visible, it is in fine working order. However, if there’s a coating of dirt so thick that you can’t see the filter’s surface, that’s a sign it has been in your heating system far too long and is already compromising energy efficiency. Clean or replace it, pronto! TIP: Never have a spare air filter when you need it? Consider using a subscription delivery service. The home care professionals at This Old House recently posted a list of criteria for comparing available services.
- Seal drafts. Weaknesses in the shell of your home allows cold air to come in and warm air to escape, making your furnace work harder to keep the space warm. Air escapes most often from: fireplaces, eaves, ridge vents, electrical outlets, light fixtures, floors, walls, ceilings, ducts, plumbing penetrations, doors, windows, fans and vents. Keep drafts at bay by filling cracks with caulk or spray insulation. Replace worn or insufficient weather stripping around doors and windows. TIP: Use this primer on DIY caulking to get a mess-free seal.
- Clean the fireplace. If you have a gas fireplace, perform some routine cleaning now to get it ready to go for warm, relaxing nights ahead. Turn off the pilot light before inspecting the vent for sticks, leaves, debris and even critters’ nests, which can create a fire hazard and cause carbon monoxide buildup in the home. Use a soft, damp cloth or a vacuum with a brush attachment to clean the air flow inlets/outlets, logs and blower. Consult the owner’s manual regarding the recommended cleaner for the glass. TIP: Finish the chore by reviewing this Walton Gas article on fireplace safety: https://waltongas.com/dos-and-donts-of-fireplace-safety/.
Review your rate plan
Even with proper maintenance to maximize energy efficiency, your natural gas usage will often increase in colder months. You can save more by locking in a fixed-rate plan. Contracting a set monthly rate shields you from unexpected price spikes and provides extra peace of mind. TIP: Walton Gas offers 6-, 12- and 24-month rate plans to warm your home. Rates details or sign up online
With just a few quick steps, you’ll be ready to enjoy a safe and comfortable fall and winter. Walton Gas is here to help keep your home warm — no matter the weather.