Winter is coming. (Cue Game of Thrones theme.) While you may not have to prepare quite the same way the Starks and Lannisters will, it’s still important 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 larger vents) are not obstructed and that air can easily flow through them. Your cold air returns are required to help your heating system run efficiently.
Upgrade Your Windows
Windows are a common way that heat can seep out your home, so contemplate replacing old or inefficient windows to help retain heat inside during the cooler months.
Replace Your Home’s Air Filters
With cold and flu season coming soon, you want to make sure you’re doing all you can to keep your family healthy. For the sake of your indoor air, swap out your furnace or duct air filter every three months. This will also help your system run more efficiently and save you energy, which means decreasing your energy bills.
Invest in an Energy-Efficient Heating System
If your furnace is older than 10 years, it’s almost certainly not nearly as energy-efficient as upgraded heating systems. Before the cooler temperature hits and you’re stuck with a faulty furnace or high energy bills, consider upgrading your system.
Invest in a Whole-Home Humidifier
It may not make sense when you hear it, but increased humidity, more so in northern climates, can cause your home’s air to feel warmer than it actually is. Include the other benefits of less dry skin and static, and a whole-home humidifier could be the ideal addition to your heating system.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
We can’t say it enough – a programmable thermostat saves you energy and money no matter what season it is. A programmable thermostat will let you lower your home temperature while you are away to help lower heating costs, and increase the temperature before you even arrive home to provide the right amount of home comfort.
Add or Upgrade Attic Insulation
Having the right amount of attic insulation helps keep heat from escaping during the winter, lowering your energy use because your heater doesn’t have to operate as much, and therefore saves you money by decreasing your energy bills. Check with your local utility companies about rebates on installing or upgrading your home’s insulation.
Insulate Plumbing
If you insulate your hot water pipes, it can actually help raise the temperature a few degrees. Hot water on a cooler setting? That lowers your energy use and bills – yes, please!
Get a Furnace 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. Currently we are giving discounts on our fall tune ups to help make sure you stay warm and safe through the cold months. Call 407-329-7661 today to schedule your heating tune-up or set up a complimentary in-home estimate on a new, energy-efficient HVAC system.