Winter is coming. (In comes Game of Thrones intro.) While you probably won’t have to prepare quite the same way the Starks and Lannisters will, it’s still crucial to make sure your home is ready for the cold. Here are some suggestions from Wesley Wood Service Experts to get you started.
Clear Space Surrounding Air Returns
You won’t need cold air returns in the cold season right? Wrong. Make sure your air returns (the larger vents) are not blocked and that air can flow easily into them. Your cold air returns are needed to help your furnace run efficiently.
Update Your Windows
Windows are a usual way that heat can seep out your home, so contemplate replacing old or inefficient windows to help keep heat inside during the winter months.
Replace Your Home’s Air Filters
With allergy and cold season coming soon, you want to make sure you’re doing anything 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 system run more efficiently and save you energy, which means decreasing your utility bills.
Invest in an Energy-Efficient Heating System
If your furnace is older than 12 years, it’s probably not nearly as energy-efficient as newer equipment. Before the winter hits and you’re stuck with a failing furnace or high utility bills, think about replacing your system.
Purchase a Whole-Home Humidifier
It may not make sense when you hear it, but higher humidity, especially in northern climates, can make your home’s air feel warmer than it is. Include the other benefits of less dry skin and static, and a whole-home humidifier could be the ideal addition to your heat and air system.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – a programmable thermostat lowers your energy usage and bills no matter what season it is. A programmable thermostat will allow you to turn down your home temperature while you are at work to help reduce heating costs, and increase 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, saving you energy because your heater doesn’t have to run as much, and therefore saves you money by lowering your heating costs. Inquire with your local utility companies about rebates for upgrading or installing your attic insulation.
Wrap Plumbing
If you insulate your hot water pipes, it can actually help boost the temperature two or three degrees. Hotter water on a decreased setting? That decreases your energy usage and your energy bills – yes, please!
Get a Precision Tune-Up
Make sure your furnace is ready to keep you warm and cozy all winter long with an expert Precision tune-up from Wesley Wood . This month we are providing discounts on our fall tune ups to help make sure your family stays warm and safe all winter long. Call 484-401-7577 today to schedule your seasonal tune-up or set up a no-charge in-home estimate on a new, energy-efficient HVAC system.