Winter is coming. (In comes Game of Thrones intro.) While you shouldn’t have to prepare quite the same way the Starks and Lannisters will, it’s still crucial to make sure your home is good to go for the cold. Here are some tips from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to get you started.
Clear Space Surrounding Air Returns
You don’t need cold air returns in the cooler months right? Wrong. Confirm your air returns (the more sizable vents) are not restricted and that air can flow smoothly through them. Your cold air returns are necessary to help your heating equipment run efficiently.
Update Your Windows
Windows are a common way that heat can seep out your home, so contemplate updating old or inefficient windows to help keep heat inside during the cold months.
Replace Your Home’s Air Filters
With allergy and cold season coming soon, you want to make sure you’re doing anything you can to keep your family healthy. For the health of your indoor air, make sure you’re replacing your furnace or duct air filter every quarter. This will also help your furnace run more efficiently and save you energy, which means decreasing your heating bills.
Invest in an Energy-Efficient Heating System
If your heating equipment is older than ten years, it’s most likely not nearly as energy-efficient as updated heating systems. Before the winter hits and you’re stuck with a faulty furnace or high energy bills, discuss replacing your system.
Purchase a Whole-Home Humidifier
It may not seem logical, but increased humidity, particularly in northern climates, can cause your home’s air to feel warmer than it actually is. Include the other benefits of reducing dry skin and static, and a whole-home humidifier might be the perfect addition to your heating system.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – a programmable thermostat decreases your energy use and bills no matter what season it is. A programmable thermostat will allow you to turn down your home temperature while you are at work to help lower heating costs, and turn up the temperature before you even get home to give you the ideal amount of home comfort.
Add or Upgrade Attic Insulation
Having the correct amount of attic insulation helps keep heat from escaping during the winter, decreasing your energy usage because your heater doesn’t have to operate as much, and therefore saves you money by lowering your heating costs. Check with your local utility companies about rebates for installing or upgrading your attic insulation.
Cover Plumbing
Insulating your hot water pipes can actually help boost the temperature a few degrees. Hotter water on a cooler setting? That saves you energy and money – yes, please!
Get a Precision Tune-Up
Make sure your heater is ready to keep your home warm and comfortable all winter long with an expert Precision tune-up from Service Experts . Right now we are offering discounts on our fall tune ups to help make sure your home stays warm and safe all winter long. Call 330-269-7235 today to schedule your Precision tune-up or set up a no-charge in-home estimate on a new, energy-efficient heating and cooling system.