Winter is coming. (In comes Game of Thrones theme.) While you probably won’t have to prepare quite the same way the Starks and Lannisters will, it’s still essential to make sure your home is good to go for the cold. Here are a couple suggestions from Chief/Bauer Service Experts to get you started.
Clear Space Surrounding Air Returns
You shouldn’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 easily flow through them. Your cold air returns are needed to help your furnace run efficiently.
Upgrade Your Windows
Windows are a usual way that heat can get out of your home, so think about replacing old or inefficient windows to help retain heat inside during the cooler months.
Replace Your Home’s Air Filters
With allergy and cold season quickly approaching, you want to make sure you’re doing anything you can to keep your family from falling ill. For the well-being of your indoor air, make sure you’re replacing your furnace or duct air filter every three months. 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 system is older than 10 years, it’s probably not nearly as energy-efficient as upgraded equipment. Before the cold hits and you’re stuck with a faulty furnace or high utility bills, discuss investing in an upgraded system.
Buy a Whole-Home Humidifier
It may not sound right, but increased humidity, especially in northern climates, can make your home’s air feel warmer than it is. Joined with the other benefits of decreasing dry skin and static, and a whole-home humidifier might be the ultimate addition to your heating system.
Invest in a Programmable Thermostat
We say it all the time – a programmable thermostat decreases your energy use and bills no matter what season it is. A programmable thermostat will enable you to turn down your home temperature while you are at work to help lower heating costs, and raise the temperature before you even get home to provide the ideal amount of home comfort.
Add or Upgrade Attic Insulation
Having the correct amount of attic insulation helps retain heat during the winter, decreasing your energy usage because your heating system doesn’t have to work as hard, and therefore saves you money on heating bill. Check with your local utility companies about rebates for upgrading or installing your attic insulation.
Insulate Plumbing
By insulating your plumbing pipes, especially hot water pipes, you can actually help raise the temperature two or three degrees. Hotter water on a lower setting? That decreases your energy usage and your energy bills – yes, please!
Get a Furnace Tune-Up
Make sure your heater is ready to keep your home warm and comfortable all winter long with an expert Precision tune-up from Chief/Bauer . This month we are providing discounts on our seasonal tune ups to help make sure your home stays warm and safe through the cold months. Call 217-689-2469 today to schedule your heating tune-up or set up a no-charge in-home estimate on a new, energy-efficient heating system.