Winter is coming. (Cue Game of Thrones theme.) While you may not have to prepare quite the same way the Starks and Lannisters will, it’s still crucial to make sure your home is good to go for the cold. Here are some suggestions from Stark Services to get you started.
Clear Space Around Air Returns
You shouldn’t need cold air returns in the cold season right? Wrong. Make sure your air returns (the bigger vents) are not restricted and that air can flow smoothly through them. Your cold air returns are required to help your heating equipment run efficiently.
Replace Your Windows
Windows are a typical way that heat can seep out your home, so contemplate updating old or inefficient windows to help trap heat inside during the cold months.
Replace Your Home’s Air Filters
With sick season coming soon, you want to be sure you’re doing all you can to keep your family from falling ill. For the sake of your indoor air, swap out your furnace or duct air filter every 12 weeks. This will also help your system run more efficiently and save you energy, which means lowering your energy bills.
Invest in an Energy-Efficient Heating System
If your heating equipment is older than ten years, it’s almost certainly not nearly as energy-efficient as updated heating systems. Before the winter hits and you’re stuck with a failing furnace or high utility bills, discuss upgrading your system.
Purchase a Whole-Home Humidifier
It may not sound right, but increased humidity, more so in northern climates, can cause your home’s air to feel warmer than it actually is. Add the other benefits of decreasing dry skin and static, and a whole-home humidifier might be the ideal addition to your heating system.
Invest in a Programmable Thermostat
We say it all the time – a programmable thermostat lowers your energy usage and bills no matter what season it is. A programmable thermostat will enable you to decrease your home temperature while you are at work to help reduce heating costs, and increase the temperature before you even arrive home to yield 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 furnace doesn’t have to work as hard, and therefore saves you money by decreasing your energy bills. Inquire with your local utility companies about rebates for upgrading or installing your attic insulation.
Wrap Plumbing
Insulating your hot water pipes can actually help boost the temperature a few degrees. Hotter water on a lower setting? That decreases your energy usage and your energy bills – yes, please!
Get a Precision Tune-Up
Be sure your heating system is ready to keep your home warm and comfortable all winter long with an expert Precision tune-up from Stark Services. Currently we are giving discounts on our seasonal tune ups to help make sure your family stays warm and safe through the cold months. Call 817-668-6689 today to schedule your Precision tune-up or set up a no-charge in-home estimate on a new, energy-efficient HVAC system.