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 critical to make sure your home is all set for the cold. Here are some tips from Peitz Service Experts to get you started.
Clear Space Surrounding Air Returns
You won’t need cold air returns in the winter right? Wrong. Verify your air returns (the more sizable vents) are not restricted and that air can easily flow through them. Your cold air returns are necessary to help your heating system run efficiently.
Upgrade Your Windows
Windows are a typical way that heat can escape your home, so consider updating old or inefficient windows to help retain heat inside during the cooler months.
Replace Your Home’s Air Filters
With cold and flu season nearing, you want to make sure you’re doing all you can to keep your family healthy. For the health of your indoor air, replace your furnace or duct air filter every three months. This will also help your system 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 10 years, it’s most likely not nearly as energy-efficient as updated equipment. Before the winter hits and you’re stuck with a malfunctioning furnace or high energy bills, discuss investing in an upgraded system.
Buy a Whole-Home Humidifier
It may not sound right, but increased humidity, more so in northern climates, can make your home’s air feel warmer than it is. Include the other benefits of decreasing dry skin and static, and a whole-home humidifier might be the ideal addition to your heating system.
Get a Programmable Thermostat
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – a programmable thermostat saves you energy and money no matter what season it is. A programmable thermostat will let you lower your home temperature while you are away to help lower heating costs, and increase the temperature before you even arrive home to give you the ideal 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 heater doesn’t have to operate as much, and therefore saves you money by lowering your heating costs. Check with your local utility companies about rebates for upgrading or installing your attic insulation.
Cover Plumbing
If you insulate your hot water pipes, it can actually help increase the temperature a couple of degrees. Warmer water on a lower setting? That saves you energy and money – yes, please!
Get a Heating Tune-Up
Be sure your heater is ready to keep you warm and cozy all winter long with an expert Precision tune-up from Peitz . Right now we are giving discounts on our fall tune ups to help make sure you stay warm and safe through the winter. Call 605-223-0307 today to schedule your Precision tune-up or set up a no-charge in-home estimate on a new, energy-efficient HVAC system.