Winter is coming. (Signal Game of Thrones theme.) While you probably won’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 some suggestions from Coastal Service Experts to get you started.
Clear Space Around Air Returns
You don’t need cold air returns in the cooler months right? Wrong. Confirm your air returns (the larger vents) are not obstructed and that air can easily flow through them. Your cold air returns are necessary to help your heating system run efficiently.
Replace Your Windows
Windows are a usual way that heat can leak out your home, so contemplate replacing old or inefficient windows to help trap heat inside during the winter months.
Replace Your Home’s Air Filters
With allergy and cold season nearing, you want to make sure you’re doing all you can to keep your family healthy. 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 utility bills.
Invest in an Energy-Efficient Heating System
If your system is older than 10 years, it’s almost certainly not nearly as energy-efficient as upgraded heating systems. Before the cold hits and you’re stuck with a failing furnace or high heating bills, think about upgrading your system.
Invest in a Whole-Home Humidifier
It may not sound right, but increased humidity, particularly 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 might be the perfect addition to your heat and air system.
Invest in a Programmable Thermostat
We can’t say it enough – a programmable thermostat decreases your energy use and bills no matter what temperature it is. A programmable thermostat will enable you to turn down your home temperature while you are out to help reduce heating costs, and raise the temperature before you even make it home to give you the perfect amount of home comfort.
Add or Upgrade Attic Insulation
Having the right amount of attic insulation helps keep heat from escaping during the winter, decreasing your energy usage because your heating system doesn’t have to run as much, and therefore saves you money on heating bill. Ask your local utility companies about rebates for installing or upgrading your attic insulation.
Wrap Plumbing
If you insulate your hot water pipes, it can actually help raise the temperature a couple of degrees. Warmer water on a cooler setting? That saves you energy and money – yes, please!
Get a Heating Tune-Up
Be sure your furnace is ready to keep your home warm and comfortable all winter long with an expert Precision tune-up from Coastal Service Experts. Currently we are offering discounts on our seasonal tune ups to help make sure your family stays warm and safe through the cold months. Call 912-208-2399 today to schedule your heating tune-up or set up a no-charge in-home estimate on a new, energy-efficient heating system.