Winter is coming. (In comes Game of Thrones music.) 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 all set for the cold. Here are a few tips from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to get you started.
Clear Space Near Air Returns
You don’t need cold air returns in the winter right? Wrong. Verify your air returns (the bigger vents) are not blocked and that air can flow easily into them. Your cold air returns are needed to help your heating equipment run efficiently.
Update Your Windows
Windows are a usual way that heat can leak out your home, so consider upgrading old or inefficient windows to help retain heat inside during the cold months.
Replace Your Home’s Air Filters
With sick season coming soon, you want to be sure you’re doing all you can to keep your family healthy. For the well-being of your indoor air, make sure you’re replacing your furnace or duct air filter every few months. This will also help your system run more efficiently and save you energy, which means decreasing your utility bills.
Invest in an Energy-Efficient Heating System
If your heating equipment is older than 12 years, it’s almost certainly not nearly as energy-efficient as upgraded heating systems. Before the winter hits and you’re stuck with a malfunctioning furnace or high heating bills, discuss upgrading your system.
Invest in a Whole-Home Humidifier
It may not make sense when you hear it, but more humidity, particularly in northern climates, can cause your home’s air to feel warmer than it actually is. Add the other benefits of reducing dry skin and static, and a whole-home humidifier could be the ideal addition to your heat and air system.
Get a Programmable Thermostat
We can’t say it enough – a programmable thermostat lowers your energy usage and bills no matter what time of year it is. A programmable thermostat will allow you to lower your home temperature while you are at work to help lower heating costs, and turn up the temperature before you even make it home to yield the ideal amount of home comfort.
Add or Upgrade Attic Insulation
Having the correct amount of attic insulation helps trap heat in your home 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. Inquire with your local utility companies about rebates for installing or upgrading your attic insulation.
Insulate Plumbing
By insulating your plumbing pipes, especially hot water pipes, you can actually help boost the temperature a couple of degrees. Hot water on a cooler setting? That lowers your energy use and bills – yes, please!
Get a Heating Tune-Up
Verify your heating system is ready to keep your family warm and comfortable 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 home stays warm and safe through the winter. Call 866-397-3787 today to schedule your Precision tune-up or set up a complimentary in-home estimate on a new, energy-efficient HVAC system.