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 essential to make sure your home is ready for the cold. Here are some tips from Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts to get you started.
Clear Space Near Air Returns
You shouldn’t need cold air returns in the cold season right? Wrong. Make sure your air returns (the more sizable vents) are not blocked and that air can flow easily into them. Your cold air returns are necessary to help your heating system run efficiently.
Replace Your Windows
Windows are a typical way that heat can escape your home, so contemplate replacing old or inefficient windows to help retain heat inside during the cooler months.
Replace Your Home’s Air Filters
With allergy and cold season quickly approaching, you want to be sure you’re doing anything you can to keep your family in good health. For the well-being of your indoor air, make sure you’re replacing your furnace or duct air filter every quarter. This will also help your furnace run more efficiently and save you energy, which means saving you money on heating bills.
Invest in an Energy-Efficient Heating System
If your furnace is older than 10 years, it’s most likely not nearly as energy-efficient as upgraded furnaces. Before the cooler temperature hits and you’re stuck with a failing furnace or high heating bills, think about investing in an upgraded system.
Invest in a Whole-Home Humidifier
It may not make sense when you hear it, but higher humidity, particularly in northern climates, can result in your home’s air feeling warmer than it is. Joined with the other benefits of less dry skin and static, and a whole-home humidifier may be the ideal addition to your heating system.
Get a Programmable Thermostat
We say it all the time – a programmable thermostat decreases your energy use and bills no matter what time of year it is. A programmable thermostat will allow you to lower your home temperature while you are away to help decrease heating costs, and raise the temperature before you even arrive home to provide the ideal amount of home comfort.
Add or Upgrade Attic Insulation
Having the correct amount of attic insulation helps trap heat in your home during the winter, saving you energy because your furnace doesn’t have to work as hard, and therefore saves you money by lowering your heating costs. Ask your local utility companies about rebates for installing or upgrading your attic insulation.
Insulate Plumbing
Insulating your hot water pipes can actually help increase the temperature two or three degrees. Hotter water on a cooler setting? That lowers your energy use and bills – yes, please!
Get a Heating Tune-Up
Be sure your heating system is ready to keep your home warm and comfortable all winter long with an expert Precision tune-up from Bryant . This month we are giving discounts on our seasonal tune ups to help make sure you stay warm and safe all winter long. Call 226-773-3357 today to schedule your Precision tune-up or set up a no-charge in-home estimate on a new, energy-efficient heating system.