Winterize Your Home for the Winter
Winter is coming. (Cue Game of Thrones theme.) 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 good to go for the cold. Here are some suggestions from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to get you started.
Clear Space Around Air Returns
You won’t need cold air returns in the cold season right? Wrong. Confirm your air returns (the more sizable vents) are not obstructed 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 typical way that heat can seep out your home, so think about upgrading old or inefficient windows to help keep heat inside during the cold months.
Replace Your Home’s Air Filters
With cold and flu season quickly approaching, you want to verify you’re doing anything you can to keep your family healthy. For the well-being of your indoor air, swap out your furnace or duct air filter every three months. This will also help your equipment 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 10 years, it’s most likely not nearly as energy-efficient as upgraded heating systems. Before the cold hits and you’re stuck with a faulty furnace or high energy bills, consider upgrading your system.
Invest in a Whole-Home Humidifier
It may not make sense when you hear it, but more humidity, more so in northern climates, can cause your home’s air to feel warmer than it actually is. Add the other benefits of decreasing dry skin and static, and a whole-home humidifier may be the ideal addition to your heating system.
Get a Programmable Thermostat
We can’t say it enough – a programmable thermostat saves you energy and money no matter what season it is. A programmable thermostat will let you turn down your home temperature while you are at work to help reduce heating costs, and increase the temperature before you even get home to give you the perfect amount of home comfort.
Add or Upgrade Attic Insulation
Having the right amount of attic insulation helps retain heat during the winter, decreasing your energy usage because your furnace doesn’t have to work as hard, 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.
Insulate Plumbing
If you insulate your hot water pipes, it can actually help boost the temperature a few degrees. Warmer water on a lower setting? That lowers your energy use and bills – yes, please!
Get a Heating Tune-Up
Be sure your heater is ready to keep your family warm and cozy all winter long with an expert Precision tune-up from Service Experts. This month we are giving discounts on our heating tune ups to help make sure you stay warm and safe through the winter. Call 561-629-1826 today to schedule your heating tune-up or set up a free in-home estimate on a new, energy-efficient heating and cooling system.