Winter is coming. (Signal Game of Thrones music.) 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 ready for the cold. Here are a few recommendations from Atmostemp Service Experts to get you started.
Clear Space Around Air Returns
You won’t need cold air returns in the winter right? Wrong. Confirm your air returns (the bigger vents) are not blocked and that air can easily flow through them. Your cold air returns are needed to help your heating equipment run efficiently.
Update Your Windows
Windows are a usual way that heat can seep out your home, so consider updating old or inefficient windows to help retain heat inside during the cooler months.
Replace Your Home’s Air Filters
With sick season coming soon, 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, make sure you’re replacing 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 furnace is older than ten years, it’s most likely not nearly as energy-efficient as upgraded equipment. Before the winter hits and you’re stuck with a malfunctioning furnace or high energy bills, think about investing in an upgraded system.
Invest in a Whole-Home Humidifier
It may not sound right, but more 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 perfect addition to your heating system.
Invest in a Programmable Thermostat
We say it all the time – a programmable thermostat lowers your energy usage and bills no matter what temperature it is. A programmable thermostat will enable you to turn down your home temperature while you are away to help decrease heating costs, and turn up the temperature before you even arrive home to yield the right amount of home comfort.
Add or Upgrade Attic Insulation
Having the correct amount of attic insulation helps retain heat during the winter, decreasing your energy usage because your heating system doesn’t have to work as hard, and therefore saves you money on heating bill. Check with your local utility companies about rebates on installing or upgrading your home’s insulation.
Cover Plumbing
Insulating your hot water pipes can actually help boost the temperature a few degrees. Hot water on a decreased setting? That decreases your energy usage and your energy bills – yes, please!
Get a Furnace Tune-Up
Be sure your heater is ready to keep your home warm and cozy all winter long with an expert Precision tune-up from Atmostemp . Currently we are providing discounts on our seasonal tune ups to help make sure you stay warm and safe through the winter. Call 856-310-4824 today to schedule your seasonal tune-up or set up a free in-home estimate on a new, energy-efficient heating system.