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 good to go for the cold. Here are some recommendations from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to get you started.
Clear Space Near Air Returns
You won’t need cold air returns in the cooler months right? Wrong. Make sure your air returns (the larger vents) are not blocked and that air can flow smoothly through them. Your cold air returns are needed to help your heating system run efficiently.
Update Your Windows
Windows are a typical way that heat can seep out your home, so consider updating old or inefficient windows to help trap heat inside during the cooler months.
Replace Your Home’s Air Filters
With sick season quickly approaching, you want to verify you’re doing all you can to keep your family healthy. For the sake 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 lowering your utility bills.
Invest in an Energy-Efficient Heating System
If your system is older than ten years, it’s most likely not nearly as energy-efficient as newer equipment. Before the cooler temperature hits and you’re stuck with a faulty furnace or high heating bills, think about upgrading your system.
Invest in a Whole-Home Humidifier
It may not seem logical, but more humidity, particularly in northern climates, can cause your home’s air to feel warmer than it actually is. Include the other benefits of decreasing dry skin and static, and a whole-home humidifier might be the ultimate addition to your heat and air system.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
We can’t say it enough – a programmable thermostat saves you energy and money no matter what temperature it is. A programmable thermostat will allow you to turn down your home temperature while you are away to help lower heating costs, and raise the temperature before you even get home to provide the perfect amount of home comfort.
Add or Upgrade Attic Insulation
Having the ideal amount of attic insulation helps keep heat from escaping during the winter, decreasing your energy usage because your heating system doesn’t have to operate as much, and therefore saves you money by decreasing your energy bills. Ask your local utility companies about rebates on installing or upgrading your home’s insulation.
Insulate Plumbing
By insulating your plumbing pipes, especially hot water pipes, you can actually help raise the temperature two or three degrees. Warmer water on a lower setting? That decreases your energy usage and your energy bills – yes, please!
Get a Precision Tune-Up
Make sure your heating system is ready to keep your family warm and cozy all winter long with an expert Precision tune-up from Service Experts. This month we are offering discounts on our heating tune ups to help make sure your family stays warm and safe all winter long. Call 540-302-8645 today to schedule your heating tune-up or set up a free in-home estimate on a new, energy-efficient heating and cooling system.