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 critical to make sure your home is all set for the cold. Here are some suggestions from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to get you started.
Clear Space Around Air Returns
You don’t need cold air returns in the winter right? Wrong. Verify your air returns (the larger vents) are not restricted and that air can flow smoothly through them. Your cold air returns are required to help your furnace run efficiently.
Update Your Windows
Windows are a typical way that heat can get out of your home, so consider 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 nearing, you want to verify you’re doing all you can to keep your family in good health. For the well-being of your indoor air, swap out your furnace or duct air filter every 12 weeks. 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 10 years, it’s probably not nearly as energy-efficient as upgraded furnaces. Before the cold hits and you’re stuck with a faulty furnace or high heating bills, consider investing in an upgraded system.
Purchase a Whole-Home Humidifier
It may not make sense when you hear it, but more humidity, especially in northern climates, can cause your home’s air to feel warmer than it actually is. Joined with the other benefits of decreasing dry skin and static, and a whole-home humidifier may be the perfect addition to your heat and air system.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – 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 at work to help reduce heating costs, and raise the temperature before you even arrive home to give you the ideal 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 heating system doesn’t have to operate as much, and therefore saves you money by lowering your heating costs. Ask your local utility companies about rebates for upgrading or installing your attic insulation.
Wrap Plumbing
By insulating your plumbing pipes, especially hot water pipes, you can actually help increase the temperature two or three degrees. Warmer water on a cooler setting? That saves you energy and money – yes, please!
Get a Heating Tune-Up
Make sure your furnace is ready to keep your home warm and comfy all winter long with an expert Precision tune-up from Service Experts. Right now we are offering discounts on our seasonal tune ups to help make sure your home stays warm and safe through the winter. Call 440-252-1375 today to schedule your heating tune-up or set up a no-charge in-home estimate on a new, energy-efficient HVAC system.