Winter is coming. (Signal Game of Thrones intro.) While you shouldn’t 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 couple suggestions from Sunbeam Service Experts to get you started.
Clear Space Surrounding Air Returns
You shouldn’t need cold air returns in the cold season right? Wrong. Verify your air returns (the larger vents) are not restricted and that air can flow smoothly through them. Your cold air returns are required to help your furnace run efficiently.
Replace Your Windows
Windows are a typical way that heat can seep out your home, so consider replacing old or inefficient windows to help trap heat inside during the cooler months.
Replace Your Home’s Air Filters
With allergy and cold season coming soon, you want to be sure you’re doing all you can to keep your family from falling ill. For the sake 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 decreasing your energy bills.
Invest in an Energy-Efficient Heating System
If your heating equipment is older than ten years, it’s probably not nearly as energy-efficient as newer heating systems. Before the winter hits and you’re stuck with a faulty furnace or high utility bills, consider upgrading your system.
Invest in a Whole-Home Humidifier
It may not make sense when you hear it, but increased humidity, more so in northern climates, can result in your home’s air feeling warmer than it is. Include the other benefits of reducing dry skin and static, and a whole-home humidifier could be the ultimate addition to your heating system.
Get 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 season it is. A programmable thermostat will let you decrease your home temperature while you are out to help reduce heating costs, and raise the temperature before you even get home to give you the ideal 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, lowering your energy use because your heating system doesn’t have to run 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.
Cover Plumbing
By insulating your plumbing pipes, especially hot water pipes, you can actually help raise the temperature a couple of degrees. Hotter water on a cooler setting? That saves you energy and money – yes, please!
Get a Heating Tune-Up
Make sure your heater is ready to keep you warm and comfortable all winter long with an expert Precision tune-up from Sunbeam . Right now we are giving discounts on our fall tune ups to help make sure your family stays warm and safe through the winter. Call 716-427-6807 today to schedule your seasonal tune-up or set up a no-charge in-home estimate on a new, energy-efficient HVAC system.