Winter is coming. (Cue Game of Thrones intro.) While you may not have to prepare quite the same way the Starks and Lannisters will, it’s still essential to make sure your home is ready for the cold. Here are a few suggestions from A-PLUS Service Experts to get you started.
Clear Space Surrounding Air Returns
You won’t need cold air returns in the winter right? Wrong. Confirm your air returns (the larger vents) are not blocked and that air can flow easily into them. Your cold air returns are necessary to help your heating equipment run efficiently.
Update Your Windows
Windows are a typical way that heat can get out of your home, so consider replacing old or inefficient windows to help keep heat inside during the cooler months.
Replace Your Home’s Air Filters
With sick season quickly approaching, you want to be sure you’re doing all you can to keep your family from falling ill. For the well-being of your indoor air, replace your furnace or duct air filter every quarter. This will also help your system 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 ten years, it’s probably not nearly as energy-efficient as upgraded furnaces. Before the cold hits and you’re stuck with a failing furnace or high energy bills, think about investing in an upgraded system.
Purchase a Whole-Home Humidifier
It may not seem logical, but increased humidity, especially in northern climates, can cause your home’s air to feel warmer than it actually is. Include the other benefits of less dry skin and static, and a whole-home humidifier could be the ultimate addition to your heating system.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
We can’t say it enough – a programmable thermostat decreases your energy use and bills no matter what season it is. A programmable thermostat will let you lower your home temperature while you are away to help decrease heating costs, and raise the temperature before you even get home to yield the right amount of home comfort.
Add or Upgrade Attic Insulation
Having the right amount of attic insulation helps retain heat during the winter, saving you energy because your heater doesn’t have to work as hard, and therefore saves you money on heating bill. Ask your local utility companies about rebates for installing or upgrading your attic insulation.
Cover Plumbing
By insulating your plumbing pipes, especially hot water pipes, you can actually help boost the temperature two or three degrees. Hot water on a decreased setting? That saves you energy and money – yes, please!
Get a Heating Tune-Up
Make sure your heater is ready to keep your home warm and cozy all winter long with an expert Precision tune-up from A-PLUS . Currently we are offering discounts on our heating tune ups to help make sure your family stays warm and safe all winter long. Call 301-747-3140 today to schedule your heating tune-up or set up a no-charge in-home estimate on a new, energy-efficient heating and cooling system.