Winter is coming. (Cue Game of Thrones intro.) While you probably won’t have to prepare quite the same way the Starks and Lannisters will, it’s still critical to make sure your home is ready for the cold. Here are a few suggestions from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to get you started.
Clear Space Around Air Returns
You won’t need cold air returns in the cooler months right? Wrong. Confirm your air returns (the more sizable vents) are not obstructed and that air can flow smoothly through them. Your cold air returns are needed to help your furnace run efficiently.
Upgrade Your Windows
Windows are a common way that heat can seep out your home, so consider upgrading old or inefficient windows to help keep heat inside during the cold months.
Replace Your Home’s Air Filters
With sick season coming soon, you want to verify you’re doing anything you can to keep your family in good health. For the sake of your indoor air, make sure you’re replacing your furnace or duct air filter every three months. This will also help your system run more efficiently and save you energy, which means lowering your utility bills.
Invest in an Energy-Efficient Heating System
If your heating equipment is older than 10 years, it’s most likely not nearly as energy-efficient as updated equipment. Before the cooler temperature hits and you’re stuck with a malfunctioning furnace or high utility bills, consider investing in an upgraded system.
Invest in a Whole-Home Humidifier
It may not make sense when you hear it, but higher humidity, especially in northern climates, can make your home’s air feel warmer than it is. Add the other benefits of reducing dry skin and static, and a whole-home humidifier may be the perfect addition to your heating system.
Get a Programmable Thermostat
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – a programmable thermostat lowers your energy usage and bills no matter what season it is. A programmable thermostat will allow you to lower your home temperature while you are at work to help decrease heating costs, and turn up the temperature before you even get home to provide the ideal amount of home comfort.
Add or Upgrade Attic Insulation
Having the ideal amount of attic insulation helps keep heat from escaping during the winter, saving you energy because your heating system doesn’t have to operate as much, and therefore saves you money on heating bill. Ask your local utility companies about rebates for upgrading or installing your attic insulation.
Wrap Plumbing
Insulating your hot water pipes can actually help raise the temperature two or three degrees. Hot water on a lower setting? That decreases your energy usage and your energy bills – yes, please!
Get a Furnace Tune-Up
Be sure your heating system is ready to keep you warm and comfortable all winter long with an expert Precision tune-up from Service Experts . Right now we are providing discounts on our seasonal tune ups to help make sure your home stays warm and safe through the cold months. Call 305-440-1505 today to schedule your heating tune-up or set up a free in-home estimate on a new, energy-efficient HVAC system.