Winter is coming. (In comes Game of Thrones intro.) While you probably won’t have to prepare quite the same way the Starks and Lannisters will, it’s still essential to make sure your home is good to go for the cold. Here are some tips from Matz-Rightway to get you started.
Clear Space Around Air Returns
You don’t need cold air returns in the cooler months right? Wrong. Verify your air returns (the larger vents) are not obstructed and that air can flow smoothly through them. Your cold air returns are necessary to help your heating system run efficiently.
Replace 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 winter months.
Replace Your Home’s Air Filters
With cold and flu season nearing, you want to make sure you’re doing all you can to keep your family from falling ill. For the sake of your indoor air, replace your furnace or duct air filter every 12 weeks. This will also help your equipment run more efficiently and save you energy, which means decreasing your utility bills.
Invest in an Energy-Efficient Heating System
If your furnace is older than 10 years, it’s almost certainly not nearly as energy-efficient as upgraded equipment. Before the winter hits and you’re stuck with a faulty furnace or high utility bills, consider upgrading your system.
Invest in 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 HVAC system.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – a programmable thermostat saves you energy and money no matter what season it is. A programmable thermostat will allow you to decrease your home temperature while you are away to help lower heating costs, and turn up the temperature before you even get home to give you the perfect amount of home comfort.
Add or Upgrade Attic Insulation
Having the correct amount of attic insulation helps retain heat 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. Check with your local utility companies about rebates for upgrading or installing your attic insulation.
Cover Plumbing
If you insulate your hot water pipes, it can actually help boost the temperature a few degrees. Warmer water on a cooler setting? That saves you energy and money – yes, please!
Get a Furnace Tune-Up
Be sure your furnace 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 home stays warm and safe through the winter. Call 631-406-9220 today to schedule your seasonal tune-up or set up a no-charge in-home estimate on a new, energy-efficient HVAC system.