Winter is coming. (Cue Game of Thrones music.) While you probably won’t have to prepare quite the same way the Starks and Lannisters will, it’s still important to make sure your home is all set for the cold. Here are some tips from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to get you started.
Clear Space Near Air Returns
You shouldn’t need cold air returns in the cold season right? Wrong. Verify your air returns (the bigger vents) are not restricted and that air can flow smoothly through them. Your cold air returns are necessary to help your furnace run efficiently.
Update Your Windows
Windows are a typical way that heat can seep out your home, so think about replacing old or inefficient windows to help keep heat inside during the cooler months.
Replace Your Home’s Air Filters
With allergy and cold season nearing, you want to be sure you’re doing anything you can to keep your family in good health. For the health of your indoor air, replace your furnace or duct air filter every three months. This will also help your equipment run more efficiently and save you energy, which means decreasing your heating bills.
Invest in an Energy-Efficient Heating System
If your furnace is older than 12 years, it’s most likely not nearly as energy-efficient as updated equipment. Before the winter hits and you’re stuck with a faulty furnace or high utility bills, consider investing in an upgraded system.
Purchase a Whole-Home Humidifier
It may not make sense when you hear it, but higher humidity, especially in northern climates, can result in your home’s air feeling warmer than it is. Add the other benefits of decreasing dry skin and static, and a whole-home humidifier could be the ideal addition to your heat and air system.
Invest in a Programmable Thermostat
We can’t say it enough – a programmable thermostat decreases your energy use and bills no matter what temperature it is. A programmable thermostat will let you turn down your home temperature while you are away to help lower heating costs, and turn up the temperature before you even get home to yield the perfect amount of home comfort.
Add or Upgrade Attic Insulation
Having the correct amount of attic insulation helps keep heat from escaping during the winter, lowering your energy use because your heating system doesn’t have to run as much, and therefore saves you money on heating bill. Check with 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 a couple of degrees. Warmer water on a cooler setting? That decreases your energy usage and your energy bills – yes, please!
Get a Furnace Tune-Up
Be 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 seasonal tune ups to help make sure your family stays warm and safe through the winter. Call 321-428-7635 today to schedule your seasonal tune-up or set up a complimentary in-home estimate on a new, energy-efficient heating and cooling system.