Winter is coming. (Signal Game of Thrones intro.) While you may not have to prepare quite the same way the Starks and Lannisters will, it’s still important to make sure your home is ready for the cold. Here are some tips from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to get you started.
Clear Space Around Air Returns
You won’t need cold air returns in the winter right? Wrong. Make sure your air returns (the larger vents) are not obstructed and that air can flow smoothly through them. Your cold air returns are needed to help your heating equipment run efficiently.
Upgrade Your Windows
Windows are a common way that heat can get out of your home, so consider replacing 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 be sure you’re doing everything you can to keep your family from falling ill. For the health of your indoor air, replace your furnace or duct air filter every 12 weeks. This will also help your furnace 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 12 years, it’s almost certainly not nearly as energy-efficient as upgraded furnaces. Before the cold hits and you’re stuck with a faulty furnace or high energy bills, think about replacing your system.
Invest in a Whole-Home Humidifier
It may not sound right, but increased humidity, more so 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 may be the ideal addition to your heat and air system.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
We can’t say it enough – a programmable thermostat lowers your energy usage and bills no matter what time of year it is. A programmable thermostat will let you turn down your home temperature while you are at work to help lower heating costs, and raise the temperature before you even make it home to yield the ideal amount of home comfort.
Add or Upgrade Attic Insulation
Having the ideal amount of attic insulation helps retain heat during the winter, lowering your energy use because your heating system doesn’t have to work as hard, and therefore saves you money by decreasing your energy bills. Inquire with your local utility companies about rebates for upgrading or installing your attic insulation.
Wrap Plumbing
Insulating your hot water pipes can actually help boost the temperature a few degrees. Hot water on a lower setting? That lowers your energy use and bills – yes, please!
Get a Furnace Tune-Up
Make sure your furnace is ready to keep your family warm and cozy all winter long with an expert Precision tune-up from Service Experts. Currently we are providing discounts on our seasonal tune ups to help make sure your family stays warm and safe through the winter. Call 303-647-5853 today to schedule your seasonal tune-up or set up a no-charge in-home estimate on a new, energy-efficient heating and cooling system.