# Winterize Your Home: Bay Area Heating Preparation Guide
While Bay Area winters are mild compared to other regions, proper preparation ensures comfortable, efficient heating and prevents unexpected breakdowns during cold snaps.
Fall Heating Preparation
Schedule Furnace Tune-Up Before heating season, have a professional: - Inspect the heat exchanger - Test for carbon monoxide - Clean and adjust burners - Check gas pressure - Test safety controls - Replace filters
Test Your System Early Run your heating system before you need it to identify any issues. Listen for unusual sounds and check for proper heating.
Check Carbon Monoxide Detectors - Test all CO detectors - Replace batteries - Replace units over 5-7 years old
Inspect Fireplace and Chimney If you have a gas fireplace or use your chimney, have it inspected and cleaned if necessary.
Home Winterization
Seal Air Leaks - Check weatherstripping on doors - Inspect window seals - Seal gaps around pipes and wiring - Add door sweeps where needed
Insulation Check - Inspect attic insulation - Check crawl space insulation - Consider adding insulation to older homes
Duct Inspection - Check for visible damage - Seal accessible duct joints - Insulate ducts in unconditioned spaces
Bay Area Winter Considerations
Microclimates Matter - **San Francisco:** Moderate but damp - **Peninsula:** Generally mild - **East Bay hills:** Cooler temperatures - **Inland valleys:** Frost possible
Rain Season Prep - Ensure outdoor HVAC units have proper drainage - Check condensate drains aren't blocked - Verify roof over outdoor equipment isn't leaking
Humidity Control Bay Area winters are often humid. If your home feels damp: - Use exhaust fans - Consider a dehumidifier - Ensure proper ventilation
Heating System Options
For Older Homes Many Bay Area homes have older heating systems. Consider: - High-efficiency furnace upgrade - Mini-split systems for room additions - Heat pump for combined heating/cooling
Efficiency Upgrades - Programmable thermostats - Smart thermostats with learning features - Zoning systems for multi-level homes
Emergency Preparedness
Power Outages Bay Area winter storms can cause outages. Prepare by: - Having flashlights and batteries ready - Knowing how to safely use portable heaters - Having extra blankets available
Heating Emergency Signs Call for service immediately if you notice: - Gas smell (leave house, call 911) - CO detector alarming - No heat at all - Strange furnace noises
Energy Saving Tips
- Set thermostat to 68°F when home
- Lower to 60°F when sleeping or away
- Use programmable schedules
- Keep vents unobstructed
- Open blinds during sunny days
- Close them at night
Month-by-Month Checklist
| Month | Tasks |
|---|---|
| September | Schedule tune-up |
| October | Test system, change filter |
| November | Seal air leaks |
| December | Check thermostat programming |
| January | Replace filter if needed |
| February | Check CO detectors |
Proper preparation ensures your heating system works reliably when you need it. Don't wait for the first cold night to discover a problem!