Winter Archives - The Bosworth Company Kerrville

Smart thermostat displaying indoor temperature of 72°F and humidity level of 40%, emphasizing energy efficiency tips for winter heating.

Get the Most Out of Your Thermostat

Posted on January 29, 2021 | by The Bosworth Company Kerrville | Leave a Comment

Winter is here and we hope your heater has been keeping you comfortable! Aside from staying cozy on these chilly winter nights, you also don’t want a surprise hike in your heating bill! One secret weapon to keeping costs down is already mounted on your wall. In this post, we’ll take a look at your thermostat and offer a few tips on how to improve efficiency and stay comfortable.

A TALE OF TWO STORIES

We all know heat rises, but how does that impact a two-story home? If your thermostat temperature is the same for the whole house, the upstairs area will naturally stay warmer and your HVAC will be working hard to balance it out. Instead, set the thermostat to be a little warmer downstairs. That warm air will make its way north (upstairs) helping balance the home’s temperature and making it easier on your furnace. We recommend keeping it two degrees warmer downstairs. This could save you hundreds of dollars over the course of the year.

BORN TO RUN

There’s no need to leave the fan on unless you’re heating or cooling. This can help with air quality because your air is being recycled, however, it uses up a lot of energy. Running the fan even has a negative effect during the winter because warm air can escape through leaky ducts, leaving your home even cooler.

BUNDLE UP

At the end of the day, turn the temperature down, and grab an extra blanket for the bed. Our bodies can adjust to the cool while we sleep, so turn the thermostat down about three degrees to save energy. An extra blanket (or flannel PJs) should keep you cozy and comfy all night long. Especially since it’s cooler outside overnight, dropping the inside temperatures at the same time can really save you money.

NUMBER ONE FAN

Ceiling fans are great for keeping cool during the summer, but did you realize they have a benefit in the winter months as well? A small switch on the outside of the fan causes the fan to spin in the opposite direction. Now, instead of pushing air from the ceiling to the floor, it’s helping to circulate warm air at the ceiling throughout the room. If it means saving money on your heating bill, it’s worth a try!

WORTH THE CALL

The Bosworth Company in Kerrville has you covered on all your HVAC needs this winter and beyond! If your unit needs a tune-up, or you’re considering a new state-of-the-art thermostat that will help keep you cozy and save you money, schedule an appointment online or call us today at 830-428-2764. It’s Worth the Call. Always!

Attic Insulation Installation

Posted on January 27, 2020 | by The Bosworth Company Kerrville | Leave a Comment

You may not realize all of the services that The Bosworth Company offers. In fact, our services include the installation of attic insulation. With cooler weather upon us, it may be something you’ve been thinking about.

Having proper insulation is a win-win for your comfort. It keeps your home cool in the summer, and warm in the winter. At The Bosworth Company, we use loose-fill fiberglass insulation. Here’s some information on insulation and how it can be applied:

METHOD 1: ROLL OUT

Fiberglass batts can be rolled out across your attic. This is common in older homes and is likely what you’ve seen before. Unfortunately, fiberglass batts are a much less efficient way to insulate your home compared to newer methods. However, they are still very popular due to the cost and ease of insulation.

METHOD 2: LET IT SNOW

Most newer homes and businesses exclusively use “loose-fill” fiberglass. It’s installed by blowing what looks like puffs of snow throughout your attic. This is considered much more efficient because, unlike the fiberglass batts, each piece of insulation will fill in all the space in your attic. The spray will settle evenly across the attic, even in places that the angle of the roof may make it hard to reach.

You can purchase blocks of loose-fill fiberglass at your hardware store, then rent a machine that will blow it into your attic. But use caution: though this can be a DIY project, it is not recommended. Not only is it difficult, but the fiberglass can be dangerous if breathed in. We recommend hiring a professional like us at The Bosworth Company.

HOW WE CAN HELP

Save the trip to the hardware store, and hire The Bosworth Company to handle your attic insulation installation. We’ll take a look at the specific needs of your home and attic and come up with a plan to keep you comfortable and save you money. Call today at 830-428-2764 or schedule an appointment online! The Bosworth Company. Worth The Call. Always.

Hand adjusting a thermostat displaying 69°F while holding a dollar bill, symbolizing HVAC efficiency and cost management for home comfort.

Ways To Save Money On Heating and Plumbing This Winter

Posted on January 22, 2019 | by The Bosworth Company Kerrville | Leave a Comment

Colder weather is hitting much of the country this time of year and it can be quite costly to keep your house toasty warm inside. Maintaining your HVAC system is crucial during winter months. There are plenty of different things you can do to help trap the warmth within your walls or keep yourself toasty without breaking the bank and here are a few to get you started.

Bulk around all your windows and doors to keep the drafts out
Install a few more layers of insulation in your walls and attic
Wear warmer clothing before turning up the heat
Add rugs onto your floors to increase comfort and cover colder flooring
Install a programmable thermostat to keep your home at the optimal temperature
Seal your windows with double sided tape and plastic film (kits can be found in your local home improvement store)
Use curtains and window coverings to keep drafts at bay
Having better windows installed can make a world of difference

Be sure to have your furnace serviced each year to ensure it is running smoothly throughout the winter months. You can buy new filters for most any furnace to ensure you are sending clean air throughout your home. There are all different types of filters you can choose from, including your basic filtration all the way up to healthy allergen-reducing filters. Maintaining your furnace is important but you may also want to consider replacing it with a more energy efficient furnace as well. Booking an inspection to check on your electrical system and appliances is a great idea and you should get this done around every three to five years to ensure everything is running smoothly with your HVAC system.

Plumbing problems are another issue that nobody wants to have to face in the dead of winter. Could you imagine not being able to take a shower or run water for cooking because your pipes have frozen or burst? What are a few things to consider when taking care of your waterways this winter to save you a headache and some cash?

If you plan on going anywhere leave a trickle of water running in your sinks to keep water from freezing in your pipes
Insulate your water heater and pipes to keep the water the optimal temperature
Change the temperature of your water heater down a few degrees to save some cash
If you happen to find a leaky faucet fix it right away, it can cost you hundreds each year
Install water-efficient toilets to save on each and every flush
Install a tankless water heater to save 30-50% more energy than an original unit
A plumber can help you determine what more you can do to amp up your plumbing game

By maintaining your HVAC system, heating and plumbing this winter you will save thousands of dollars and be prepared for any winter weather.

Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Posted on December 18, 2017 | by The Bosworth Company Kerrville | 1 Comment

When using your heater isn’t an option, many people are concerned about carbon monoxide (CO) – and they’re right to be worried. Known as a “silent killer,” CO kills over 400 people annually – and the majority of those deaths are accidental. That’s why the Bosworth Company is sharing its tips on preventing carbon monoxide poisoning.

The Facts About Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

The Basics

Carbon monoxide is a gas occurs when you use your heater, gas range, vehicle, or other small appliance with a motor. It builds up in your home or business over time as an invisible, odorless gas. When people or animals breathe it in, it’s often fatal – even a house with proper ventilation cannot guarantee safety. The majority of CO fatalities occur during winter nights when people are most likely to run heating devices for warmth.

What You Can Do

There are a variety of ways to protect yourself and your family from the deadly effects of carbon monoxide. Here are a few quick safety tips to prevent a fatal situation:

Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home or office, particularly outside of sleeping areas. Be sure to replace batteries and test these meters regularly.
Do not run gas-powered generators or appliances indoors, even in an area with good ventilation.
Avoid leaving vehicles idling in closed garages.
Have a professional chimney company clean and inspect your chimney, damper, and flue annually.
Never use flameless chemical heaters indoors.
Do not use gas cooking ranges as a heat source.
Schedule a seasonal check with your HVAC company to make sure appliances are properly hooked up to gas sources.

What To Do If Your CO Detector Goes Off

If you hear your carbon monoxide detector go off, it’s critical to get all people and pets outdoors immediately. CO can make a person fall unconscious in a matter of minutes, leaving them unable to escape. Call 911 and do not re-enter the home or business until safety personnel gives you approval to do so.

Get a carbon monoxide safety check for your appliances, heater, and other areas by scheduling an appointment with the Bosworth Company. Our friendly professionals will inspect your home or business to make sure it’s as safe as possible. Schedule yours now.

How to Stay Warm if the Power Goes Out

Posted on December 10, 2017 | by The Bosworth Company Kerrville | Leave a Comment

Though many people look forward to snow days, inclement weather can often bring unintended consequences. Being able to stay home from work or school can feel luxurious…unless the power goes offline. The Bosworth Company is sharing several ways on how to stay warm if the power goes out, so you’re prepared for bad weather.

Cold Front: Know How to Stay Warm if the Power Goes Out

Bundle Up

Snuggly blankets and fuzzy socks come in handy when it comes to power outages. Adding multiple layers of clothes can help insulate your body, keeping warmth closer to you. If you have thermal underwear or fleece-lined garments, consider bundling up with those, too.

Build a Fire

If your home is equipped with a wood-burning fireplace and you have dry wood, consider building a fire. Make sure that the flue is open and no fumes can enter your home. Additionally, keep in mind that open flames must be supervised at all times – an open fire shouldn’t be considered a primary source of heat.

Make a Plan

If your power has been off for several hours and you don’t have an alternative heat source, it’s prudent to make a backup plan. Contact a close friend or relative to find out if you can stay overnight, particularly if temperatures continue to drop.

Get Moving

Physical activity naturally warms your body up. Jumping jacks, pushups and other cardio not only invigorate your health – the exercise will help keep you warmer than if you sit still.

Keep in One Room

Cut shut doors to rooms that experience more temperature fluctuations. Also, body heat from multiple people in a single room can help you to stay warm. Seal off any drafty windows or doors with plastic sheeting or old sheets.

Stay Inside

Opening and closing exterior doors constantly will let out the warm air inside of your home. Keep those doors shut as much as possible.

If your furnace problems are something other than a power outage, know that you can depend on the heating professionals at Bosworth. We offer emergency service calls from reliable, professional technicians. We’re worth the call…always.

Holiday Home Decor

Posted on November 27, 2017 | by The Bosworth Company Kerrville | Leave a Comment

Now that it’s after Thanksgiving, we can officially consider the holiday season to be in full swing! One of the most fun family traditions is decorating for Christmas. To get you into the holiday spirit, Bosworth is sharing some popular holiday home decor ideas for you. Tis the season to decorate!

Must-Have Holiday Home Decor Ideas

The Tree Is Key

The Christmas tree is a long-standing centerpiece of the holiday season. If you’re looking for some new ways to trim the tree, try these ideas:

Neutral – Use natural fabrics and neutral beige colors to give a clean, understated look to your tree
Metallic – Shimmering colors such as bronze, gold, and silver always make your firs fabulous! Add pops of deep red or hunter green for seasonal flair.
Bright – Forego traditional colors and decorate with unique ornaments in hot pink, fluorescent purple, bright blue, and neon green. It’s sure to get a big WOW!
Geometric – Add some lines (and definition) to your design with squares, diamonds, stars, and other shapes.

Decorating That Makes Scents

Make sure your home smells fantastic during the season. Scents like pine, cinnamon, apple, gingerbread, or vanilla immediately evoke nostalgic memories. Use wax warmers, (properly supervised) candles, wall oil warmers, or scented pinecones to add immediate holiday cheer to your home.

Welcoming Wreaths

Decking your halls means decking out your front door. Don’t forget to add a welcoming seasonal wreath to greet guests. Whether you opt for the traditional evergreen boughs wrapped in a holiday bow or you can choose decor that matches your Christmas tree, don’t skip out on this Christmas decor tradition.

Mix Old & New

The holidays are about tradition and family. If you want to try a new theme, but can’t quite convince yourself to give up old memories, start small! Choose a smaller tree to decorate with your new idea first. You can also create a tabletop space to showcase some of your favorite older items that deserve a place in the spotlight.

Go Wild

Using natural elements such as evergreen branches, whole spices, pinecones, and fabrics (like burlap) can add a homey, comforting decoration trend. Additionally, many of these items are appropriate to use after Christmas to make your home festive in the winter months.

Is it beginning to look a lot like Christmas at your house? Tell us your favorite holiday decorating tips. Additionally, if you’re concerned your electrical system can’t quite hold up to the amount of electricity you plan to use this holiday season, call us. Our electrical experts can help you get started before the height of the holidays.

Ways to Reduce Heating Bills

Posted on November 13, 2017 | by The Bosworth Company Kerrville | Leave a Comment

Preparation is critical in the majority of situations – winter weather, included! One the biggest complaints about the chilly temperatures it’s how much it increases monthly bills. However, heating your home is necessary for comfort and safety, but there are ways to minimize your utility costs. The Bosworth Company shares some of our favorite ways to reduce heating bills this winter.

Reduce Heating Bills with These Great Tips

Get a Seasonal Check-Up

Opting to have a Bosworth professional inspect your home before winter sets in is a great option for saving. Our trained technicians are capable of identifying and correcting small problems before they become emergency situations. You can still schedule your fall seasonal check here.

Invest in Quality Window Treatments

Take advantage of the sun’s warming power by using quality windows treatments. During the day, leave sun-facing windows open, which can help warm your home or business naturally. In the evening, use blackout curtains to keep the night’s chill at bay – and prevents the warm air inside from escaping through your windows.

Choose a Programmable Thermostat

Have you heard about our Nest WiFi Thermostats®? They’re just as on the go as you are. With the hustle and bustle of the winter season, it’s tough to know when you’ll be home or out running errands. With a Nest, you’re able to manage your thermostat using an app and your home’s WiFi. You can reduce the heat when you’re away and crank it up before you walk in the door. It’s also proven to save between 10 and 12% on utility bills.

Switch Fan Settings

Do you turn your fans off in the winter? You shouldn’t! Instead switch them to rotate in reverse. The action pushes rising warm air back down, naturally moving heat through your home. Using fans to enhance air circulation in your home or office is a great way to save money on utility bills.

Go Green

If it’s time to update your furnace, talk to a Bosworth team member about EnergyStar® appliances. Equipment with an EnergyStar rating is proven to reduce heating bills. An added bonus is that less wasted energy is better for the environment.

Conduct a Seasonal Swap

When you’re trying to stay warm, call in other seasonal helpers for the winter win. Swap out summery cotton sheets for comfy flannel ones. Add blankets to beds and sitting areas throughout your home. Sip warm beverages instead of cold. Slip on fuzzy socks and warmer clothing blends. When you layer warmth-inducers, you’re less likely to reach for the thermostat – and more likely to see a cost savings on your monthly bill.

Are you ready to get warm and toasty? If you’re not sure your furnace is capable of making it through another winter, be sure to call the winter weather experts at Bosworth. We’re worth the call – always!

Is Your Home Cold Weather Ready?

Posted on November 5, 2017 | by The Bosworth Company Kerrville | Leave a Comment

Though we’re experiencing unseasonably warm weather for fall, it’s never too early to get your home cold weather ready. In fact, we’re expecting a 30° temperature drop mid-week! The Bosworth Company prefers preparedness over panic, so be sure to follow these steps on getting ready for chilly winter temperatures.

Get Your Home Cold Weather Ready with These 4 Tips

Prep the Plumbing

Though many people expect cold weather problems to come from their furnace, they often forget about frozen pipes! It’s important to get your plumbing ready for cooler temperatures, including sealing off outdoor valves and insulating exposed pipes. Not only can these freeze when the temps drop, you also risk them bursting when water expands.

Seal the Deal

Prevent cold air from entering your home by sealing drafty windows and doors. As your home settles with age or seals begin to wear, your home may not be as protected from air leaks as you’d like. Additionally, keep your garage above North Pole temperatures by installing weather stripping along the garage floor.

Invest in a Nest®

Have you heard about the Nest WiFi Thermostat offered by Bosworth? It’s a high-tech way to save on your energy bills each month. With the Nest, you’re able to take control of your thermostat, no matter where you are! Not only does it help keep your home toasty warm, on average, the Nest saves consumers between 10% and 12% on their monthly heating bills.

Prepare, Prepare Prepare

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” -Benjamin Franklin

Maintaining your home is critical – and we aren’t just talking about cosmetic improvements. When you include our fall electrical and heating services as part of your home maintenance plan, it can help you avoid a catastrophic event when it starts to really get cold. You should also consider adding a Kohler backup generator to your home, if you’re worried about electrical outages this winter.

Are you worried your home isn’t going to pass the cold weather test? Don’t fear – Bosworth is here! Whether you need plumbing, heater, or electrical service for your home or business, we’re available to help. Schedule your service today!

White power plug icon on a green circular background, symbolizing electrical connections related to HVAC and plumbing services.

Energy Saving Tips For Winter

Posted on January 30, 2017 | by The Bosworth Company Kerrville | Leave a Comment

Those chilly winter tips affect more than just your bones! They can be hard on your energy bills, too. Check out our ways to save energy this winter!

HVAC

Lower your thermostat settings during the night to save an average of 15% on your energy bill! (But don’t forget the blankets!)
Consider purchasing a humidifier to achieve and maintain a consistent, warm temperature.
Install foam insulation gaskets behind electric outlets and switch plate covers.
Check air furnace filters and replace if necessary.

Windows & Doors

Install DIY plastic film storm windows.
Seal off unused rooms
Close the doors and windows whenever possible.
Open south-facing windows and curtains, drapes, and blinds in the daylight
Check your window frames for cracks and your doors for leaks.
Repair any broken window panes.

Fireplace

If possible, avoid traditional fireplaces as it can suck the heated air out of your home. (Go with gas!)
Close the fireplace damper and seal the opening shut when not in use.
Replace old/loose fireplace dampers and install a sheet-metal insert.

Attic

Upgrade your insulation – you should have at least 7 inches
Seal exposed ductwork
Repair large holes in the attic

Think Of Us First!

The tips above should help you save energy this winter! For other tips and tricks like these, be sure to follow our boards on Pinterest. And for all of your heating and cooling needs, think of The Bosworth Company first! We’re worth the call. Always.

Water flowing from a downspout, illustrating plumbing maintenance and potential winter plumbing issues.

Don’t Fear Frozen Pipes This Winter

Posted on November 15, 2016 | by The Bosworth Company Kerrville | Leave a Comment

It’s the middle of November and we’re still experiencing 80 degree temperatures, but we won’t for long. Winter is on the way…

We may not live in the coldest of climates, but those bone-cold days can be brutal when they come! With these freezing temperatures comes the danger of frozen and burst plumbing…and costly damages. Follow the tips below to prevent frozen pipes!

Freezing Facts:

11-20% of homeowner’s insurance claims are due to water damage from freezing pipes. (The average cost of this damage is $7,307.)
250,000 homes experience frozen and/or burst pipes in the U.S.
Water expands to 10% of its size when it freezes.

What Causes Frozen Pipes?

Pressure – The typical cause of frozen pipes is pressure from the unfrozen water between the closed faucet and the ice.

Poor insulation – Especially if your house was built before the 1960’s (when insulation quality started improving) you could be at risk of frozen pipes.

Bends in the pipe – The expansion of the frozen area can be trapped by bends in the pipe.

Old pipes – Debris tends to build up in old pipes, therefore making them more likely to freeze.

How Do You Prevent Frozen Pipes?

Insulate (with foam) any pipes that are in colder areas of your home,
Replace old plumbing.
Re-route any pipes that are exposed to the cold.
Seal any insulation gaps near plumbing.
Turn off any valves for your outdoor water supply. Make sure the tap is empty and shut it tightly.

If you expect freezing temperatures…

Allow warm air to circulate to your home’s coldest areas, especially if your plumbing is vulnerable in that area. For example, opening cabinets under sinks.
You may want to set your heating system to maintain a warmer temperature overnight.
Open faucet taps to allow a slow drip of water.

If you’re leaving town…

Have someone monitor you home (both inside and out).
Turn off your hot water tank.
Consider shutting the main water valve to your home and draining the plumbing.
Keep your heat set to a normal temperature.

Worth The Call.

In addition to the prevention tips above, you should schedule a Fall Clean & Check from The Bosworth Company to ensure your home’s systems are ready for the cold weather ahead. Of course, no matter what you do to prevent frozen pipes, they can still happen. If they do, contact The Bosworth Company immediately. We will act fast to restore your pipes and return your home back to normal. We’re worth the call. Always.