Winter is coming. (Signal Game of Thrones intro.) While you shouldn’t have to prepare quite the same way the Starks and Lannisters will, it’s still important to make sure your home is ready for the cold. Here are some tips from Midway Services to get you started.
Clear Space Near Air Returns
You don’t need cold air returns in the cooler months 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 necessary to help your heating equipment run efficiently.
Upgrade Your Windows
Windows are a usual way that heat can seep out your home, so contemplate upgrading old or inefficient windows to help retain heat inside during the winter months.
Replace Your Home’s Air Filters
With allergy and cold season coming soon, you want to be sure you’re doing all you can to keep your family from falling ill. For the health of your indoor air, replace 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 12 years, it’s almost certainly not nearly as energy-efficient as updated heating systems. Before the cooler temperature hits and you’re stuck with a failing furnace or high energy bills, discuss replacing your system.
Purchase a Whole-Home Humidifier
It may not make sense when you hear it, but more humidity, particularly 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 ideal addition to your HVAC system.
Get a Programmable Thermostat
We say it all the time – a programmable thermostat lowers your energy usage and bills no matter what temperature it is. A programmable thermostat will allow you to turn down your home temperature while you are at work to help decrease heating costs, and turn up the temperature before you even get home to give you the right amount of home comfort.
Add or Upgrade Attic Insulation
Having the ideal amount of attic insulation helps retain heat during the winter, lowering your energy use because your heating system doesn’t have to run as much, and therefore saves you money on heating bill. Check with your local utility companies about rebates for installing or upgrading your attic insulation.
Wrap Plumbing
If you insulate your hot water pipes, it can actually help boost the temperature two or three degrees. Warmer water on a lower setting? That lowers your energy use and bills – yes, please!
Get a Furnace Tune-Up
Make sure your heating system is ready to keep your home warm and comfortable all winter long with an expert Precision tune-up from Midway Services. Currently we are offering discounts on our seasonal tune ups to help make sure your family stays warm and safe through the winter. Call 727-219-2471 today to schedule your heating tune-up or set up a free in-home estimate on a new, energy-efficient heating system.