Winstar Home Services Offers Homeowners Winter HVAC Performance Tips

"Most residential HVAC units are working overtime with the winters we have in Baltimore," said Talbot Watkins III, president of Winstar Home Services. "The last thing you want to have happen is your system break down on you. That's why at Winstar we offer our customers ongoing maintenance and tips they can perform on their own to help them save hundreds of dollars in damages that might occur from zero or improper maintenance on their HVAC equipment."

Here are five tips Watkins offers to local home owners to keep their HVAC systems running at maximum efficiency during heavy winter use:

1.        Clean your home

• Your home is a reflection of your ductwork, as dirt and debris in your air filter comes from dirt and debris in your home
• Removing all dust, dirt and debris will help your air filters work more efficiently

2.        Change your air filter

• A dirty filter can slow down airflow, causing your system to work harder to keep your home warm (which also means wasted energy and a higher utility bill)
• A clean filter will prevent dirt and debris from building up in the system, which helps limit expensive maintenance and avoid early system failure

3.        Clean your outdoor HVAC unit

• Take a few minutes to inspect the area around your outdoor unit
• Leaves, shrubs and grass cuttings can build up on the outside of your HVAC unit, decreasing the system capacity and reducing airflow
• As a general rule, keep trees, shrubs and other outdoor elements at least two feet away from the unit so it is free to pull in air

4.        Seal any gaps in your home and ductwork

• Inspect both the interior and exterior of your home's windows, air ducts, and exterior doors for any cracks or gaps and seal any exposures
• Even a small gap can lead to warm air escaping your home, which translates into more wasted energy

5.        Examine your thermostat

• Check to make sure your thermostat is working properly and keeping your home at the right temperature
• If you still have an older mechanical thermostat, it is recommended to upgrade to digital, programmable model, as switching to a programmable thermostat can save you upwards of $200 a year
• Some new models even allow for remote operation via a cell phone, which are perfect for extremely low temperature days, since you can save energy by setting the temperature lower during the day (when your family is out of the home) and then changing it to a higher temperature before heading home

Watkins also advised home owners to invest in indoor air quality (IAQ).

"Families spend a lot of time indoors," said Watkins. "Especially during the colder months. If you or your family suffer from asthma, allergies or other respiratory issues, addressing the quality of your home's air can go a long way in keeping your home healthy."

To learn more about what you can do to help protect your home this winter, contact Winstar Home Services at 410-360-0058.

About Winstar Home Services
Located in Baltimore, Maryland, Winstar Home Services began in 2001 with one man and a van. Talbot Watkins set his goal on becoming a major player in electrical contracting for Anne Arundel County, Maryland. By the end of the year he had two vans and three employees to meet the growing demand for his services. Winstar emphasizes customer service and, within just 15 years, has expanded into a large and smoothly run company with over 100 employees. Visit Winstar on the web at www.callwinstar.com, or call them at 410-360-0058.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Heather Ripley
Ripley PR
865-977-1973
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SOURCE Winstar Home Services