Winter is coming. (Signal Game of Thrones intro.) While you probably won’t have to prepare quite the same way the Starks and Lannisters will, it’s still critical to make sure your home is ready for the cold. Here are a few suggestions from Midland Air Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning 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 bigger 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.
Replace Your Windows
Windows are a common way that heat can get out of your home, so think about replacing old or inefficient windows to help retain heat inside during the winter months.
Replace Your Home’s Air Filters
With cold and flu 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 furnace run more efficiently and save you energy, which means lowering your 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 cold 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 seem logical, but higher 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 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 give you the perfect amount of home comfort.
Add or Upgrade Attic Insulation
Having the correct amount of attic insulation helps keep heat from escaping 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 a few degrees. Hot water on a decreased setting? That saves you energy and money – yes, please!
Get a Furnace Tune-Up
Make sure your furnace is ready to keep your family warm and cozy all winter long with an expert Precision tune-up from Midland Air Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Right now we are providing discounts on our seasonal 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 HVAC system.