Winter is coming. (In comes Game of Thrones theme.) While you may not have to prepare quite the same way the Starks and Lannisters will, it’s still critical to make sure your home is ready for the cold. Here are a few suggestions from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to get you started.
Clear Space Near Air Returns
You don’t need cold air returns in the cold season right? Wrong. Confirm your air returns (the bigger vents) are not restricted and that air can flow smoothly through them. Your cold air returns are needed to help your heating equipment run efficiently.
Update Your Windows
Windows are a typical way that heat can escape your home, so think about replacing old or inefficient windows to help retain heat inside during the winter months.
Replace Your Home’s Air Filters
With cold and flu season coming soon, you want to make sure you’re doing everything you can to keep your family in good health. For the well-being of your indoor air, make sure you’re replacing your furnace or duct air filter every three months. This will also help your equipment 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 12 years, it’s probably not nearly as energy-efficient as newer heating systems. Before the cold hits and you’re stuck with a faulty furnace or high heating bills, think about 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 make your home’s air feel warmer than it is. Add the other benefits of decreasing dry skin and static, and a whole-home humidifier might be the ideal addition to your heating 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 time of year it is. A programmable thermostat will allow you to turn down your home temperature while you are at work to help decrease heating costs, and raise the temperature before you even get home to yield the perfect amount of home comfort.
Add or Upgrade Attic Insulation
Having the right amount of attic insulation helps trap heat in your home during the winter, saving you energy because your furnace 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 two or three degrees. Warmer water on a cooler setting? That decreases your energy usage and your energy bills – yes, please!
Get a Furnace Tune-Up
Verify 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 offering discounts on our fall tune ups to help make sure you stay warm and safe through the cold months. Call 403-279-5760 today to schedule your seasonal tune-up or set up a complimentary in-home estimate on a new, energy-efficient HVAC system.