Winter is coming. (Cue Game of Thrones intro.) 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 tips from Midland Air Service Experts to get you started.
Clear Space Surrounding Air Returns
You don’t need cold air returns in the winter right? Wrong. Confirm your air returns (the larger vents) are not restricted and that air can flow easily into them. Your cold air returns are needed to help your heating equipment run efficiently.
Update Your Windows
Windows are a typical way that heat can leak out your home, so consider updating old or inefficient windows to help retain heat inside during the cold months.
Replace Your Home’s Air Filters
With allergy and cold season nearing, you want to be sure you’re doing anything you can to keep your family in good health. For the health of your indoor air, swap out your furnace or duct air filter every few months. This will also help your system run more efficiently and save you energy, which means saving you money on utility bills.
Invest in an Energy-Efficient Heating System
If your heating equipment is older than 10 years, it’s probably not nearly as energy-efficient as upgraded equipment. Before the winter hits and you’re stuck with a faulty furnace or high heating bills, consider investing in an upgraded system.
Buy 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. Add the other benefits of reducing dry skin and static, and a whole-home humidifier could be the ideal addition to your heat and air system.
Get a Programmable Thermostat
We say it all the time – a programmable thermostat decreases your energy use and bills no matter what season it is. A programmable thermostat will enable you to decrease your home temperature while you are at work to help decrease heating costs, and raise the temperature before you even arrive home to provide the right amount of home comfort.
Add or Upgrade Attic Insulation
Having the correct amount of attic insulation helps retain heat during the winter, lowering your energy use because your heating system doesn’t have to operate as much, and therefore saves you money on heating bill. Ask 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 two or three degrees. Hotter water on a decreased setting? That lowers your energy use and bills – yes, please!
Get a Precision Tune-Up
Be sure your furnace is ready to keep your family warm and comfy all winter long with an expert Precision tune-up from Midland Air Service Experts. Currently we are providing discounts on our heating tune ups to help make sure your home stays warm and safe all winter long. Call 803-399-7208 today to schedule your heating tune-up or set up a no-charge in-home estimate on a new, energy-efficient heating system.
