Winter is coming. (Signal Game of Thrones intro.) While you may not 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 recommendations from Boehmers/Cronin Emery Home Services by Enercare to get you started.
Clear Space Around Air Returns
You don’t need cold air returns in the cold season right? Wrong. Verify 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 system run efficiently.
Upgrade Your Windows
Windows are a common way that heat can get out of your home, so contemplate 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 quickly approaching, you want to make sure you’re doing everything 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 few months. 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 heating equipment is older than ten years, it’s most likely not nearly as energy-efficient as newer furnaces. Before the winter hits and you’re stuck with a faulty furnace or high heating bills, consider investing in an upgraded system.
Invest in a Whole-Home Humidifier
It may not make sense when you hear it, but more humidity, more so in northern climates, can make your home’s air feel warmer than it is. Add the other benefits of less dry skin and static, and a whole-home humidifier could be the ultimate addition to your heat and air system.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
We say it all the time – a programmable thermostat saves you energy and money no matter what season it is. A programmable thermostat will allow you to turn down your home temperature while you are out to help decrease heating costs, and raise the temperature before you even get home to give you the right 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. Inquire with your local utility companies about rebates on installing or upgrading your home’s insulation.
Cover Plumbing
If you insulate your hot water pipes, it can actually help raise the temperature a couple of degrees. Hot water on a decreased setting? That decreases your energy usage and your energy bills – yes, please!
Get a Precision Tune-Up
Be sure your heating system is ready to keep your home warm and cozy all winter long with an expert Precision tune-up from Boehmers/Cronin Emery . Currently we are providing discounts on our heating tune ups to help make sure you stay warm and safe through the cold months. Call 519-804-1617 today to schedule your seasonal tune-up or set up a no-charge in-home estimate on a new, energy-efficient HVAC system.