Winter is coming. (Cue Game of Thrones intro.) While you shouldn’t have to prepare quite the same way the Starks and Lannisters will, it’s still crucial to make sure your home is ready for the cold. Here are a couple suggestions from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to get you started.
Clear Space Surrounding Air Returns
You shouldn’t need cold air returns in the winter right? Wrong. Make sure your air returns (the more sizable vents) are not restricted and that air can flow easily into them. Your cold air returns are required to help your furnace run efficiently.
Upgrade Your Windows
Windows are a common way that heat can seep out your home, so contemplate updating old or inefficient windows to help trap heat inside during the cooler months.
Replace Your Home’s Air Filters
With allergy and cold season quickly approaching, you want to be sure you’re doing anything you can to keep your family from falling ill. For the health of your indoor air, make sure you’re replacing your furnace or duct air filter every quarter. This will also help your system run more efficiently and save you energy, which means saving you money on energy bills.
Invest in an Energy-Efficient Heating System
If your heating equipment is older than 12 years, it’s probably not nearly as energy-efficient as updated furnaces. Before the winter hits and you’re stuck with a faulty furnace or high energy bills, think about replacing your system.
Purchase a Whole-Home Humidifier
It may not seem logical, but higher humidity, particularly in northern climates, can result in your home’s air feeling warmer than it is. Include the other benefits of less dry skin and static, and a whole-home humidifier could be the ideal addition to your heating system.
Get a Programmable Thermostat
We say it all the time – a programmable thermostat decreases your energy use and bills no matter what time of year it is. A programmable thermostat will enable you to lower your home temperature while you are at work to help lower heating costs, and raise the temperature before you even arrive 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, saving you energy because your heating system doesn’t have to run as much, and therefore saves you money on heating bill. Inquire with your local utility companies about rebates for installing or upgrading your attic insulation.
Cover Plumbing
Insulating your hot water pipes can actually help boost 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 furnace is ready to keep you warm and comfortable all winter long with an expert Precision tune-up from Service Experts. Currently we are offering discounts on our fall tune ups to help make sure your home stays warm and safe all winter long. Call 352-414-4006 today to schedule your seasonal tune-up or set up a complimentary in-home estimate on a new, energy-efficient heating system.