Winter is coming. (In comes Game of Thrones theme.) 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 suggestions from Freschi Service Experts to get you started.
Clear Space Surrounding Air Returns
You shouldn’t need cold air returns in the cooler months right? Wrong. Make sure your air returns (the bigger vents) are not blocked and that air can flow easily into them. Your cold air returns are necessary to help your furnace run efficiently.
Update Your Windows
Windows are a common way that heat can get out of your home, so consider replacing old or inefficient windows to help keep heat inside during the winter months.
Replace Your Home’s Air Filters
With sick season quickly approaching, you want to verify you’re doing everything you can to keep your family in good health. For the sake of your indoor air, replace your furnace or duct air filter every quarter. This will also help your equipment run more efficiently and save you energy, which means lowering your energy bills.
Invest in an Energy-Efficient Heating System
If your system is older than ten years, it’s almost certainly not nearly as energy-efficient as upgraded equipment. Before the winter hits and you’re stuck with a malfunctioning furnace or high heating bills, consider upgrading your system.
Purchase a Whole-Home Humidifier
It may not seem logical, but increased humidity, more so in northern climates, can cause your home’s air to feel warmer than it actually is. Add 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 say it all the time – a programmable thermostat saves you energy and money no matter what temperature it is. A programmable thermostat will allow you to turn down your home temperature while you are out to help reduce heating costs, and raise the temperature before you even arrive home to provide the right amount of home comfort.
Add or Upgrade Attic Insulation
Having the ideal amount of attic insulation helps trap heat in your home during the winter, decreasing your energy usage because your heating system doesn’t have to work as hard, and therefore saves you money by lowering your heating costs. Check 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 boost the temperature two or three degrees. Hot water on a lower setting? That lowers your energy use and bills – yes, please!
Get a Furnace Tune-Up
Make sure your heater is ready to keep your family warm and comfy all winter long with an expert Precision tune-up from Freschi . Right now we are giving discounts on our heating tune ups to help make sure your family stays warm and safe all winter long. Call 925-384-1303 today to schedule your Precision tune-up or set up a no-charge in-home estimate on a new, energy-efficient HVAC system.