Winter is coming. (Signal Game of Thrones theme.) While you shouldn’t have to prepare quite the same way the Starks and Lannisters will, it’s still important to make sure your home is all set for the cold. Here are a few suggestions from Calverley Service Experts to get you started.
Clear Space Around Air Returns
You shouldn’t need cold air returns in the winter right? Wrong. Verify your air returns (the larger vents) are not blocked and that air can flow smoothly through them. Your cold air returns are required to help your heating equipment run efficiently.
Upgrade Your Windows
Windows are a common way that heat can leak out your home, so consider upgrading old or inefficient windows to help keep heat inside during the winter months.
Replace Your Home’s Air Filters
With sick season nearing, you want to be sure you’re doing anything you can to keep your family from falling ill. For the sake of your indoor air, replace your furnace or duct air filter every three months. This will also help your furnace run more efficiently and save you energy, which means decreasing your 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 newer heating systems. Before the winter hits and you’re stuck with a failing furnace or high heating bills, consider investing in an upgraded system.
Invest in a Whole-Home Humidifier
It may not sound right, but higher humidity, more so in northern climates, can make your home’s air feel warmer than it is. Joined with the other benefits of reducing dry skin and static, and a whole-home humidifier might be the ultimate addition to your HVAC system.
Invest in a Programmable Thermostat
We say it all the time – a programmable thermostat saves you energy and money no matter what temperature it is. A programmable thermostat will let you turn down your home temperature while you are out to help decrease heating costs, and turn up the temperature before you even arrive home to yield the perfect amount of home comfort.
Add or Upgrade Attic Insulation
Having the correct amount of attic insulation helps retain heat during the winter, saving you energy because your heater 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 on installing or upgrading your home’s insulation.
Insulate Plumbing
By insulating your plumbing pipes, especially hot water pipes, you can actually help boost the temperature a couple of degrees. Hot water on a lower setting? That lowers your energy use and bills – yes, please!
Get a Precision Tune-Up
Verify your heater is ready to keep your family warm and comfy all winter long with an expert Precision tune-up from Calverley . Right now we are giving discounts on our seasonal tune ups to help make sure you stay warm and safe through the cold months. Call 817-380-5647 today to schedule your Precision tune-up or set up a free in-home estimate on a new, energy-efficient HVAC system.