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As cold weather settles in and holiday gatherings fill the home, winter is the perfect time to make sure your heating system, water heater, and water quality are all working at their best. Small improvements can lead to lower utility bills, greater comfort, and healthier water for your family and guests. Here are some practical winter efficiency tips to help you make the most of the season.
Boosting Home Heating Efficiency
Your heating system works harder as temperatures drop, so maximizing efficiency keeps your home warm without overspending. Start by checking and replacing air filters every 30 to 60 days. Clean filters help your system run smoothly and reduce strain on the furnace. It’s also smart to schedule a professional tune-up before winter hits full force. A technician can clean internal components, test safety controls, and catch minor issues before they become pricey repairs.
If certain rooms feel drafty, seal gaps around windows and doors with weatherstripping or caulk. Heavy curtains help insulate windows, keeping more heat indoors. A programmable thermostat is another smart investment. By automatically lowering temperatures when you’re asleep or away, it can cut heating costs without sacrificing comfort. Even adjusting your thermostat down a couple of degrees can make a noticeable difference over the winter months.
Improving Water Heater Performance
Hot water demand typically rises during the holidays as guests arrive, laundry multiplies, and showers run longer. To keep your water heater running efficiently, begin by lowering the thermostat to around 120°F or asking our team to help you do this. This temperature is safe, energy-efficient, and still hot enough for daily use. If you have a traditional tank-style heater, consider flushing it once a year to remove sediment buildup. Sediment forces the heater to work harder, wasting energy and shortening its lifespan.
Insulating the hot water pipes or the water heater tank itself—if it’s an older model—can also reduce heat loss. For homes looking to maximize efficiency long-term, upgrading to a high-efficiency or tankless water heater can deliver substantial savings. These systems heat water on demand, reducing standby energy use and ensuring a steady supply during busy holiday periods.
Enjoying Cleaner, Healthier Water with a Filtration System
Winter is also a great time to improve the quality and taste of your water. A whole-home water filtration system offers several benefits during the holidays. First, it removes impurities like sediment, chlorine, and minerals that affect odor and flavor. This means better-tasting beverages—perfect for festive cooking, baking, and holiday drinks.
Filtration systems also protect appliances. Hard water minerals can accumulate inside your water heater, dishwasher, and plumbing fixtures, reducing efficiency and causing premature wear. By filtering out these minerals, you help your appliances operate more smoothly and last longer.
Guests will also appreciate cleaner water for bathing and washing. Filtered water is gentler on skin and hair, which is especially helpful during cold winter months when dryness is already a challenge.
A More Comfortable, Efficient Holiday Home
By improving heating performance, optimizing your water heater, and upgrading to a quality water filtration system, you can enjoy a more comfortable home and lower utility bills throughout the winter. These simple steps not only make the holiday season more enjoyable but also deliver benefits well into the new year.
Happy holidays and stay comfortable, from the team at DeHart Plumbing, Heating, and Air Inc. Make sure you contact us for any of your heating, plumbing, or water quality needs.
