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 all set for the cold. Here are a couple recommendations from All American Air Service Experts to get you started.
Clear Space Near Air Returns
You don’t need cold air returns in the winter right? Wrong. Make sure your air returns (the more sizable vents) are not blocked and that air can easily flow through them. Your cold air returns are needed to help your heating equipment run efficiently.
Update Your Windows
Windows are a typical way that heat can get out of your home, so consider replacing old or inefficient windows to help trap heat inside during the cold months.
Replace Your Home’s Air Filters
With sick season quickly approaching, you want to make sure you’re doing everything you can to keep your family in good health. For the sake of your indoor air, swap out your furnace or duct air filter every few months. This will also help your furnace 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 almost certainly not nearly as energy-efficient as upgraded heating systems. Before the cold hits and you’re stuck with a failing furnace or high heating bills, discuss investing in an upgraded system.
Buy a Whole-Home Humidifier
It may not make sense when you hear it, but more humidity, especially in northern climates, can result in your home’s air feeling warmer than it is. Include the other benefits of decreasing dry skin and static, and a whole-home humidifier may be the perfect addition to your heating system.
Get a Programmable Thermostat
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – a programmable thermostat decreases your energy use 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 increase the temperature before you even get home to yield the ideal amount of home comfort.
Add or Upgrade Attic Insulation
Having the right amount of attic insulation helps keep heat from escaping during the winter, lowering your energy use because your heater doesn’t have to operate as much, and therefore saves you money on heating bill. Inquire 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 increase the temperature two or three degrees. Warmer water on a decreased setting? That decreases your energy usage and your energy bills – yes, please!
Get a Precision Tune-Up
Make sure your heating system is ready to keep your home warm and cozy all winter long with an expert Precision tune-up from All American Air . Right now we are offering discounts on our heating tune ups to help make sure your home stays warm and safe through the winter. Call 386-310-2061 today to schedule your heating tune-up or set up a complimentary in-home estimate on a new, energy-efficient heating system.