Eight tips for upgrading heating in Seattle homes

Seattle is gifted with a fairly mild and temperate climate. We don’t have the same harsh winters as cities on the same latitudinal parallel on the East Coast. However, it does get cold here for a few months, and during that time you certainly want a heating system that efficiently gets the job done. Whether you’re replacing an old furnace or considering a hybrid system, professional guidance helps ensure a smooth and effective upgrade. That’s why many homeowners rely on Tacoma HVAC Services to evaluate needs and install systems correctly while considering these options:

• Get an energy audit. Heating and cooling contractors can check out your home and determine whether you’re getting optimum performance from your HVAC system. They can then recommend improvements and changes to help you save money and be more comfortable in the winter.
• Seal your home. One of the least expensive ways that you can cut costs and improve the performance of your home heating system is to ensure your windows and doors are properly sealed. The latest technology can help detect air leaks around windows and doors, and some good old-fashioned caulking will take care of the rest.
• Check your ducts. Leaky ductwork can result in diminished performance by your home HVAC system. Have a professional check your ducts and repair leakages. It’s not uncommon to find that faulty ducts are leaking 30 percent or more of your heating and air conditioning, so getting your ducts checked is definitely a worthwhile investment.
• Upgrade to a heat pump. If you’re using a traditional furnace or air conditioning system, consider upgrading to a heat pump. Heat pumps cool your home in the summer by extracting heat from the air within your home. In the winter, heat pumps warm your home by taking thermal energy from outside air or the ground and transferring it into the home. Heat pumps typically use less energy than traditional air conditioning units and heaters.
• Install a new furnace. Older heaters are far less efficient than modern models. A new unit can greatly reduce your heating and cooling costs and improve performance. Find units with high Energy Star ratings for the best performance and energy savings.
• Add floor insulation. For homes that have crawlspaces, adding insulation to the subfloor can greatly help to reduce heat loss and improve the performance of its heating system.
• Add wall insulation. If you’re living in an older home, its wall insulation may not be as good as that of modern homes. Adding new insulation to the walls can help make your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Adding insulation to your attic can also help improve HVAC performance and efficiency.
• Add a gas fireplace insert. Beautiful and function, a gas fireplace insert is a very desirable addition to your home.

Heating upgrades don’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Some tax breaks may be available to help you pay for the cost of making your home more energy efficient. Talk to us to learn more about programs available. And If you’re a homeowner that needs HVAC service in Redmond, working with a contractor familiar with local building codes and climate patterns ensures your new system is optimized for Seattle weather.

Washington Energy Services is a family-owned heating and cooling home improvement contractor.  Founded in 1957, Washington Energy Services has generations of experience in providing comprehensive home heating and cooling solutions, including sales, installation, and service. A member of the Puget Sound Energy Contractor Alliance Network, Washington Energy Services has an excellent local business reputation.

If you’re weighing whether a newer furnace is worth it, see our detailed breakdown in How Can You Benefit from a Furnace Upgrade?. It covers efficiency gains, cost recoveries, and when it makes sense to upgrade.