Winter is coming. (Signal Game of Thrones music.) While you probably won’t have to prepare quite the same way the Starks and Lannisters will, it’s still important to make sure your home is good to go for the cold. Here are a few tips from Fras-Air/General Service Experts to get you started.
Clear Space Around Air Returns
You won’t need cold air returns in the cold season right? Wrong. Verify your air returns (the more sizable vents) are not restricted and that air can easily flow through them. Your cold air returns are necessary to help your furnace run efficiently.
Upgrade Your Windows
Windows are a typical way that heat can escape your home, so consider updating old or inefficient windows to help trap heat inside during the cold 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, make sure you’re replacing your furnace or duct air filter every 12 weeks. This will also help your furnace run more efficiently and save you energy, which means lowering your heating bills.
Invest in an Energy-Efficient Heating System
If your system is older than 12 years, it’s almost certainly not nearly as energy-efficient as newer equipment. Before the cooler temperature hits and you’re stuck with a failing furnace or high heating bills, think about upgrading your system.
Buy a Whole-Home Humidifier
It may not make sense when you hear it, but more humidity, especially in northern climates, can result in your home’s air feeling warmer than it is. Joined with the other benefits of decreasing dry skin and static, and a whole-home humidifier may be the perfect addition to your heating system.
Get a Programmable Thermostat
We can’t say it enough – a programmable thermostat saves you energy and money no matter what time of year it is. A programmable thermostat will enable you to lower your home temperature while you are away to help reduce heating costs, and turn up the temperature before you even arrive home to give you the right amount of home comfort.
Add or Upgrade Attic Insulation
Having the right amount of attic insulation helps retain heat during the winter, lowering your energy use because your furnace doesn’t have to operate as much, and therefore saves you money by lowering your heating costs. Ask your local utility companies about rebates for upgrading or installing your attic insulation.
Insulate Plumbing
Insulating your hot water pipes can actually help increase the temperature a couple of degrees. Hot water on a decreased setting? That lowers your energy use and bills – yes, please!
Get a Heating Tune-Up
Make sure your heater is ready to keep your home warm and comfortable all winter long with an expert Precision tune-up from Fras-Air/General . Currently we are providing discounts on our heating tune ups to help make sure you stay warm and safe through the winter. Call 908-448-2154 today to schedule your heating tune-up or set up a free in-home estimate on a new, energy-efficient heating and cooling system.