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 important to make sure your home is good to go for the cold. Here are a few tips from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to get you started.
Clear Space Surrounding Air Returns
You shouldn’t need cold air returns in the cold season right? Wrong. Confirm your air returns (the larger vents) are not restricted and that air can flow easily into them. Your cold air returns are required to help your heating equipment run efficiently.
Replace Your Windows
Windows are a usual way that heat can leak out your home, so think about updating old or inefficient windows to help retain heat inside during the winter months.
Replace Your Home’s Air Filters
With sick season quickly approaching, you want to be sure you’re doing everything you can to keep your family in good health. For the sake 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 lowering your heating 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 updated equipment. Before the winter hits and you’re stuck with a malfunctioning furnace or high heating bills, discuss investing in an upgraded system.
Purchase a Whole-Home Humidifier
It may not sound right, but more humidity, more so 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 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 season it is. A programmable thermostat will enable you to decrease your home temperature while you are away to help reduce heating costs, and turn up the temperature before you even get 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, decreasing your energy usage because your heater doesn’t have to operate as much, and therefore saves you money by decreasing your energy bills. Check with your local utility companies about rebates for installing or upgrading your attic insulation.
Cover Plumbing
By insulating your plumbing pipes, especially hot water pipes, you can actually help boost the temperature a few degrees. Hot water on a cooler setting? That lowers your energy use and bills – yes, please!
Get a Heating Tune-Up
Make sure your heating system is ready to keep your home warm and comfy 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 you stay warm and safe through the winter. Call 330-236-4793 today to schedule your Precision tune-up or set up a no-charge in-home estimate on a new, energy-efficient heating and cooling system.