Winter is coming. (Signal Game of Thrones theme.) While you may not have to prepare quite the same way the Starks and Lannisters will, it’s still crucial to make sure your home is all set for the cold. Here are a couple tips from Finch Air Conditioning & Heating to get you started.
Clear Space Around Air Returns
You don’t need cold air returns in the winter right? Wrong. Make sure your air returns (the bigger vents) are not restricted and that air can easily flow through them. Your cold air returns are required to help your heating equipment run efficiently.
Replace Your Windows
Windows are a typical way that heat can get out of your home, so contemplate upgrading old or inefficient windows to help retain heat inside during the cold months.
Replace Your Home’s Air Filters
With allergy and cold season nearing, you want to be sure you’re doing everything you can to keep your family in good health. For the sake 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 decreasing your heating bills.
Invest in an Energy-Efficient Heating System
If your heating equipment is older than 12 years, it’s probably not nearly as energy-efficient as upgraded furnaces. Before the cooler temperature hits and you’re stuck with a faulty furnace or high utility 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. Joined with the other benefits of reducing dry skin and static, and a whole-home humidifier may be the ideal addition to your heat and air system.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
We can’t say it enough – a programmable thermostat decreases your energy use and bills no matter what temperature it is. A programmable thermostat will let you lower your home temperature while you are away to help reduce heating costs, and raise the temperature before you even get home to give you the perfect amount of home comfort.
Add or Upgrade Attic Insulation
Having the correct amount of attic insulation helps retain heat during the winter, saving you energy because your furnace doesn’t have to run 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.
Insulate Plumbing
Insulating your hot water pipes can actually help boost the temperature two or three degrees. Hotter water on a cooler setting? That lowers your energy use and bills – yes, please!
Get a Precision Tune-Up
Make sure your heater is ready to keep you warm and comfy all winter long with an expert Precision tune-up from Finch . Right now we are offering discounts on our fall tune ups to help make sure your family stays warm and safe all winter long. Call 281-407-9478 today to schedule your seasonal tune-up or set up a free in-home estimate on a new, energy-efficient heating system.