Winter is coming. (Cue Game of Thrones music.) 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 a couple tips from Peachtree Service Experts to get you started.
Clear Space Surrounding Air Returns
You don’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 required to help your heating system run efficiently.
Upgrade Your Windows
Windows are a usual way that heat can leak out your home, so consider upgrading old or inefficient windows to help retain heat inside during the cold 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 in good health. For the health of your indoor air, make sure you’re replacing your furnace or duct air filter every quarter. 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 system is older than 10 years, it’s probably not nearly as energy-efficient as newer heating systems. Before the cold hits and you’re stuck with a faulty furnace or high heating bills, consider replacing your system.
Invest in 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. Joined with the other benefits of less dry skin and static, and a whole-home humidifier could be the perfect addition to your heat and air system.
Get a Programmable Thermostat
We can’t say it enough – a programmable thermostat lowers your energy usage and bills no matter what season it is. A programmable thermostat will enable you to turn down your home temperature while you are out to help lower heating costs, and raise the temperature before you even arrive home to provide the ideal amount of home comfort.
Add or Upgrade Attic Insulation
Having the ideal amount of attic insulation helps keep heat from escaping during the winter, saving you energy because your heater doesn’t have to work as hard, and therefore saves you money by lowering your heating costs. Inquire with your local utility companies about rebates for installing or upgrading your attic insulation.
Insulate Plumbing
By insulating your plumbing pipes, especially hot water pipes, you can actually help increase the temperature a couple of degrees. Hotter water on a cooler 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 family warm and comfortable all winter long with an expert Precision tune-up from Peachtree . Right now we are providing discounts on our heating tune ups to help make sure your home stays warm and safe through the cold months. Call 678-235-9699 today to schedule your Precision tune-up or set up a complimentary in-home estimate on a new, energy-efficient HVAC system.