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How To: Care for Your Heating System in the Winter 

January 29, 2024

Los Angeles may be famed for its sunny skies, but even the City of Angels experiences its share of cooler nights in the winter months. While you might enjoy these cooler moments outdoors, a well-functioning heating system becomes an unsung hero in your home, quietly ensuring comfort. 

Your home’s warmth becomes a silent testament to the cold, winter season. There’s a certain magic in returning to a warm, welcoming space, feeling the gentle embrace of heat after a day in the city’s mild winter. It’s these little comforts that transform a house into a home, creating a haven against the chill. 

Embracing Winter’s Chill: The Essentials of Heating System Care 

Winter in Los Angeles doesn’t bring harsh snowstorms, but it does bring a chill that requires a dependable heating system. The key to facing these cooler months is not just in having a heating system but ensuring it’s primed for peak performance. Regular care of your heating system isn’t a luxury—it’s necessary to maintain a comfortable and energy-efficient home. 

Understanding the components of your system and the signs of wear can make a significant difference in how you experience the season. It’s about more than just staying warm. It’s about creating an environment where you can thrive no matter the temperature outside. As you prepare your Los Angeles home for the continued winter, remember that simple steps in heating system care can greatly enhance your comfort and reduce unexpected repair needs. 

Winter Ready: Preparing Your Heating System for the Cooler Months 

As the temperature continues to dip, the last thing any homeowner wants is a heating system that falters. Let’s explore key procedures that can be done to safeguard against this. We’re talking about simple yet effective measures to keep your heating system in top condition. 

  • Insulation Checks 
  • Air Duct Maintenance 
  • Identifying Potential Issues 
  • Professional Tune-ups 
  • Smart Thermostat Usage 

Insulation Checks 

Ensuring your home is well-insulated is a critical step in prepping your heating system for winter. Good insulation keeps the warmth where it belongs—inside your home. It’s not just about comfort. It’s a smart way to enhance the efficiency of your heating system, saving energy and money in the process. 

When checking insulation, here’s what to look for: 

  • Attic and Basement Insulation: Check for any gaps or thinning areas. These spots can be major culprits for heat loss. 
  • Window and Door Seals: Ensure they are tight and secure. Even small drafts can significantly impact your home’s overall warmth. 
  • Wall Insulation: Pay special attention to exterior walls, as they are most susceptible to heat loss. 

Good insulation is an investment in your home’s comfort and your heating system’s efficiency. It’s a straightforward yet effective step toward a cozier winter in Los Angeles. 

Air Duct Maintenance 

Maintaining your air ducts is essential for a well-functioning heating system. It’s not just about heat distribution. It’s about ensuring clean, allergen-free air circulates throughout your home. Well-maintained ducts support your heating system to operate at its best, contributing to warmth and health. 

When inspecting your air ducts, keep an eye out for: 

  • Cleanliness: Check for dust buildup or obstructions, which can impede airflow and quality. 
  • Seal Integrity: Look for any leaks or loose connections. Properly sealed ducts make a significant difference in efficiency. 
  • Overall Condition: Be aware of any signs of rust or damage, as these can lead to bigger issues if left unattended. 

Regular duct maintenance is a key factor in your heating system care, enhancing both the warmth and quality of the air in your Los Angeles home. 

Identifying Potential Issues 

Being proactive about potential issues in your heating system can be a game-changer. It’s not about finding problems but preventing them from turning into costly repairs. A little attention can go a long way in ensuring your heating system’s longevity and efficiency. 

Keep these pointers in mind: 

  • Listen for Unusual Noises: Sounds like rattling or banging can signal problems. 
  • Monitor Heating Efficiency: Noticeable changes in heating effectiveness could indicate underlying issues. 
  • Inspect for Visible Wear: Regularly check for signs of wear or damage on visible components. 

By staying alert to these signs, you’re taking a crucial step in heating system care, ensuring a smooth run through the winter months in Los Angeles. 

Professional Tune-ups 

Nothing beats the expertise of a professional when it comes to heating system tune-ups. These check-ups are vital, not just for the system’s performance but also for your peace of mind. A professional can identify and address issues that might be invisible to the untrained eye. 

When scheduling a tune-up, expect the following: 

  • Thorough Inspection: All components of your heating system will be checked for optimal function. 
  • Cleaning and Adjustments: Key parts will be cleaned and adjusted as needed for efficient operation. 
  • Expert Recommendations: Receive tailored advice on maintaining your system’s health. 

A professional tune-up is an investment in your heating system’s efficiency and your continued comfort throughout the cooler Los Angeles months. 

Smart Thermostat Usage 

Integrating a smart thermostat into your heating system is embracing smart, efficient living. These devices aren’t just about convenience. They’re about optimizing your home’s heating efficiency. With their advanced features, you can tailor your heating to your lifestyle while saving on energy costs. 

Look for these benefits: 

  • Programmable Settings: Customize heating schedules to fit your daily routine. 
  • Energy Usage Reports: Gain insights into your heating patterns and ways to save energy. 
  • Remote Control: Adjust your heating system from anywhere, anytime. 

Smart thermostat usage is a step toward a more efficient, controlled heating experience in your home, blending technology with comfort. 

Stay Warm, Los Angeles 

Preparing your heating system for winter is about more than just comfort—it’s about peace of mind. In Los Angeles, where the winters are mild yet noticeable, ensuring your heating system is well-maintained means you’re ready for whatever the season brings. 

At Brody Pennell Heating & Air Conditioning, we’re committed to helping you achieve this readiness. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in guaranteeing warmth and efficiency all winter long. Don’t wait for the chill to set in. Let’s get your heating system winter-ready today.


About The Author

Brody Pennell

Since 1945, Brody Pennell Heating & Air Conditioning is the committed to helping homeowners in the greater Los Angeles area experience total home comfort. In 2021, the readers of the Los Angeles Times voted Brody Pennell the Best HVAC Company in the area.

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Maria L.
1714171589
Juan molina and gino were amazing!!! So professional and took so much time to go over everything with me.
Annick W.
1714169418
Your crew is so nice and efficient and know what they are talking about. It was a pleasure to work with them.
Brett W.
1714164822
James and Maurice came on time, were respectful and professional. As they checked out the issue, they went above and beyond, checking every piece of the furnace for a malfunction and doing a second pass just to make sure. Great service, will use them again.
Louise H.
1714163878
Juancho and Marco did a great job today!!Please come back. Thank you!☺️
Nancy A.
1714163468
Rene was very professional and friendly and diagnosed the issue with the old heater in our house. Loved how you could see exactly what the problem was with the camera probe. He was very knowledgeable and aware of the safety issues of an older heater for the family. Thank you for your quick and competent service.
Steve H.
1714163233
Kevin did a good job.
Beth F.
1714161877
Daniel B. was very polite and helpful. I am very happy with service from Brody Pennell.
Jeremy S.
1714155867
David M. did a fine job during the service call. He was, kind, knowledgeable, and professional. He represented his company well.
Pat D.
1714155494
James h friendly and efficient
Diana R.
1714153844
Daniel Avila was super!! Very professional and had a lovely disposition. He took care of un in no time. I highly recommend him.
Nicole Karsenty L.
1714153630
Cesar Corrales and Jeremy MarmonVery happy with their work. Recommend them anytime.today 4/26/24 Anthony manzo great help
stephanie C.
1714102943
Jose Rivera came to replace Thermostat on a newly installed system. He explained the whole process very well. It was an exceptional and spotless installment, would definitely recommend to family and friends. He deserves 5 stars, will have him working with us again.
Brian K.
1714095576
Great, friendly, knowledgeable, and professional service! Enrique, Danny and Nathan did an excellent job of duct cleaning our hvac system. They were polite, professional and very friendly.
Marcia W.
1714093751
Tony M and Jose were both here for our 6 month checkup and they were extremely thorough, explained everything, and very nice. Would highly recommend them.
Steve L.
1714085783
Tristen and Juancho were efficient and friendly and explained everything clearly.
Debra M.
1714085316
Excellent service by Juan Munoz, Daniel Picard, Brian Diaz, and Juan Sanchez. Very helpful in explaining the HVAC installation process and helping set up new thermostat. Extremely kind and helpful. I recommend Brody Pennel for any HVAC installation or repair.
S O
1714085187
Maria was pleasant and did an excellent job. Explained everything very clearly. Very happy with the service.
Eva B.
1714084317
JuanMolina serviced my ac and heating today He was very polite and helpful,
Tony G.
1714083874
Our regular semi-annual service was performed today and Rene, our technician, did a terrific job, showing care and attention to detail. He's very friendly and informative and made sure we had all our questions answered and were completely satisfied.
Shari M.
1714082673
Marco is the best!!!!
Liza U.
1714081448
Kevin and David E were great4/25/24 Juan C and Gio Q were awesome and helped in everyway. Thanks guys
S M
1714078921
Daniel B & Jose CWe're very polite and courteous and worked very proficiently and efficiently and were able to inform us of the exact problem which was great. I would not hesitate to call on these guys for HV assurance. Thanks Daniel & JoseOn 4/25/2024 Daniel B & Jason S provide our company with best care that we find truly impeccable and would recommend this company and these workers to any other establishment and wouldn't want anyone but the best and these guys are the best in our opinion.
beatles341
1714077166
Jose C. was a great technician to work with. Excellent customer support and service.Ivan D and Kevin L are great guys. They did the maintenance for my property around a month ago. 4/25/24
brett H.
1714076214
My technicians did a great Job ! Steven and Leo.H I would definitely use them again and recommend them.
peter B.
1714076196
Kevin L. and Ivan D. were great and outstanding technicians, efficient, thourough, and wonderful. Please send them back again.
Norman M.
1714074725
Armando and Richie completed a comprehensive inspection and cleaning of my HVAC system. They were thorough and professional, and courteous .I am pleased with their work. Thanks Brody-P.
gloria R.
1714070730
Juan Romo was amazing super knowledgeable and friendly!!!! Amazing service
Helen S.
1714006075
I’ve been with Brody Pennell for many years, and I’m very happy with their service. James Handy is particularly amazing, and I was very fortunate to have him on my most recent maintenance services. He gave me great advice and did a fantastic job.
Denise H.
1714001375
Steven was great!
Kathy N.
1714000925
Juan Romo checked my heater in great detail today and gave me a full report on its welfare. He has suggested the repair of the heat exchanger due to wear and tear . He also pointed out a problem with the circuit board and one small section. He was very thorough, and I understood exactly what he was saying. I commend him highly! Kathy Naylor
Josh E.
1713989240
Juan Molina: thorough, neat, informative & pleasant.
david C.
1713988327
anthony manzo and armando n . great job efficient
Margarita C.
1713984415
Excellent job by Rene Morales 10 stars.
Ana A.
1713981385
Amazing service, very nice attitude, Leo H, Ruben M and Ivan D have extraordinary customer service
David S.
1713979878
Had Jason come by to add surge protector and he did a great job, was professional and efficient.
phuong N.
1713978362
Jose Rivera did a super job. He even added tape to protect the insulation from the elements
Gigi M.
1713920881
Extremely helpful and knowledgeable!David and Juan were very helpful!
Pamela J.
1713918044
Anthony Manzo and Brett Turner gave me great service and excellent recommendations. They made sure I understood everything. Thanks!
Joe L.
1713901725
James H. and David E. Serviced our unit on a bi annual maintenance and did excellent job. I highly recommend this program and James and David to do the work.
Brett H.
1713901322
Kevin and Steven were great
Joshua G.
1713897697
4/23/24 - Daniel B. and Juan De Jesus came out to do maintenance on my system! They were great - on time, professional and knowledgeable!
Marie A.
1713897310
Spencer and Kyle were my technicians and they did a great job. They were thorough and friendly and explained what they were doing as they went along. Overall great experience, wish all service techs operated this way!Update: Ivan and Angel came to do our follow-up service call. Same experience. Friendly, fast, and efficient. I really appreciate the consistency of service with this company
Joseph H.
1713897054
Marco and Ashton are very courteous, friendly, and professional. They are very knowledgeable, and expertly performed their inspection on my heating and air conditioning system. Marco even went above and beyond, and installed a fix for my thermostat on the spot at no charge. I highly recommend Marco, Ashton and the Brody Pennell team!
Jennifer M.
1713896132
The "comfort club" is well worth the annual fee. Our system is checked and cleaned twice annually, and the staff have been superb.
Abeigel B.
1713834446
Outstanding in every way , technically, courtesecy, helpful. Perfect.
Diane S.
1713827710
Great service and Rene was helpful and professional!
Dr. Jack W.
1713824178
Daniel B is an exemplary employee of BP..Truly an excellent Tech whom we appreciated performing our system’s maintenance!!Thank you, Daniel !!
Preston M.
1713821826
After wasting money and time with another company, David M. And Brett T. came out and help me fully understand the issues with my AC unit and provide no nonsense pricing. Highly recommended.
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Maria L.
1714171589
Juan molina and gino were amazing!!! So professional and took so much time to go over everything with me.
Annick W.
1714169418
Your crew is so nice and efficient and know what they are talking about. It was a pleasure to work with them.
Brett W.
1714164822
James and Maurice came on time, were respectful and professional. As they checked out the issue, they went above and beyond, checking every piece of the furnace for a malfunction and doing a second pass just to make sure. Great service, will use them again.
Louise H.
1714163878
Juancho and Marco did a great job today!!Please come back. Thank you!☺️
Nancy A.
1714163468
Rene was very professional and friendly and diagnosed the issue with the old heater in our house. Loved how you could see exactly what the problem was with the camera probe. He was very knowledgeable and aware of the safety issues of an older heater for the family. Thank you for your quick and competent service.
Steve H.
1714163233
Kevin did a good job.
Beth F.
1714161877
Daniel B. was very polite and helpful. I am very happy with service from Brody Pennell.
Jeremy S.
1714155867
David M. did a fine job during the service call. He was, kind, knowledgeable, and professional. He represented his company well.
Pat D.
1714155494
James h friendly and efficient
Diana R.
1714153844
Daniel Avila was super!! Very professional and had a lovely disposition. He took care of un in no time. I highly recommend him.
Nicole Karsenty L.
1714153630
Cesar Corrales and Jeremy MarmonVery happy with their work. Recommend them anytime.today 4/26/24 Anthony manzo great help
stephanie C.
1714102943
Jose Rivera came to replace Thermostat on a newly installed system. He explained the whole process very well. It was an exceptional and spotless installment, would definitely recommend to family and friends. He deserves 5 stars, will have him working with us again.
Brian K.
1714095576
Great, friendly, knowledgeable, and professional service! Enrique, Danny and Nathan did an excellent job of duct cleaning our hvac system. They were polite, professional and very friendly.
Marcia W.
1714093751
Tony M and Jose were both here for our 6 month checkup and they were extremely thorough, explained everything, and very nice. Would highly recommend them.
Steve L.
1714085783
Tristen and Juancho were efficient and friendly and explained everything clearly.
Debra M.
1714085316
Excellent service by Juan Munoz, Daniel Picard, Brian Diaz, and Juan Sanchez. Very helpful in explaining the HVAC installation process and helping set up new thermostat. Extremely kind and helpful. I recommend Brody Pennel for any HVAC installation or repair.
S O
1714085187
Maria was pleasant and did an excellent job. Explained everything very clearly. Very happy with the service.
Eva B.
1714084317
JuanMolina serviced my ac and heating today He was very polite and helpful,
Tony G.
1714083874
Our regular semi-annual service was performed today and Rene, our technician, did a terrific job, showing care and attention to detail. He's very friendly and informative and made sure we had all our questions answered and were completely satisfied.
Shari M.
1714082673
Marco is the best!!!!
Liza U.
1714081448
Kevin and David E were great4/25/24 Juan C and Gio Q were awesome and helped in everyway. Thanks guys
S M
1714078921
Daniel B & Jose CWe're very polite and courteous and worked very proficiently and efficiently and were able to inform us of the exact problem which was great. I would not hesitate to call on these guys for HV assurance. Thanks Daniel & JoseOn 4/25/2024 Daniel B & Jason S provide our company with best care that we find truly impeccable and would recommend this company and these workers to any other establishment and wouldn't want anyone but the best and these guys are the best in our opinion.
beatles341
1714077166
Jose C. was a great technician to work with. Excellent customer support and service.Ivan D and Kevin L are great guys. They did the maintenance for my property around a month ago. 4/25/24
brett H.
1714076214
My technicians did a great Job ! Steven and Leo.H I would definitely use them again and recommend them.
peter B.
1714076196
Kevin L. and Ivan D. were great and outstanding technicians, efficient, thourough, and wonderful. Please send them back again.
Norman M.
1714074725
Armando and Richie completed a comprehensive inspection and cleaning of my HVAC system. They were thorough and professional, and courteous .I am pleased with their work. Thanks Brody-P.
gloria R.
1714070730
Juan Romo was amazing super knowledgeable and friendly!!!! Amazing service
Helen S.
1714006075
I’ve been with Brody Pennell for many years, and I’m very happy with their service. James Handy is particularly amazing, and I was very fortunate to have him on my most recent maintenance services. He gave me great advice and did a fantastic job.
Denise H.
1714001375
Steven was great!
Kathy N.
1714000925
Juan Romo checked my heater in great detail today and gave me a full report on its welfare. He has suggested the repair of the heat exchanger due to wear and tear . He also pointed out a problem with the circuit board and one small section. He was very thorough, and I understood exactly what he was saying. I commend him highly! Kathy Naylor
Josh E.
1713989240
Juan Molina: thorough, neat, informative & pleasant.
david C.
1713988327
anthony manzo and armando n . great job efficient
Margarita C.
1713984415
Excellent job by Rene Morales 10 stars.
Ana A.
1713981385
Amazing service, very nice attitude, Leo H, Ruben M and Ivan D have extraordinary customer service
David S.
1713979878
Had Jason come by to add surge protector and he did a great job, was professional and efficient.
phuong N.
1713978362
Jose Rivera did a super job. He even added tape to protect the insulation from the elements
Gigi M.
1713920881
Extremely helpful and knowledgeable!David and Juan were very helpful!
Pamela J.
1713918044
Anthony Manzo and Brett Turner gave me great service and excellent recommendations. They made sure I understood everything. Thanks!
Joe L.
1713901725
James H. and David E. Serviced our unit on a bi annual maintenance and did excellent job. I highly recommend this program and James and David to do the work.
Brett H.
1713901322
Kevin and Steven were great
Joshua G.
1713897697
4/23/24 - Daniel B. and Juan De Jesus came out to do maintenance on my system! They were great - on time, professional and knowledgeable!
Marie A.
1713897310
Spencer and Kyle were my technicians and they did a great job. They were thorough and friendly and explained what they were doing as they went along. Overall great experience, wish all service techs operated this way!Update: Ivan and Angel came to do our follow-up service call. Same experience. Friendly, fast, and efficient. I really appreciate the consistency of service with this company
Joseph H.
1713897054
Marco and Ashton are very courteous, friendly, and professional. They are very knowledgeable, and expertly performed their inspection on my heating and air conditioning system. Marco even went above and beyond, and installed a fix for my thermostat on the spot at no charge. I highly recommend Marco, Ashton and the Brody Pennell team!
Jennifer M.
1713896132
The "comfort club" is well worth the annual fee. Our system is checked and cleaned twice annually, and the staff have been superb.
Abeigel B.
1713834446
Outstanding in every way , technically, courtesecy, helpful. Perfect.
Diane S.
1713827710
Great service and Rene was helpful and professional!
Dr. Jack W.
1713824178
Daniel B is an exemplary employee of BP..Truly an excellent Tech whom we appreciated performing our system’s maintenance!!Thank you, Daniel !!
Preston M.
1713821826
After wasting money and time with another company, David M. And Brett T. came out and help me fully understand the issues with my AC unit and provide no nonsense pricing. Highly recommended.
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