Winter is coming. (Signal Game of Thrones music.) While you shouldn’t have to prepare quite the same way the Starks and Lannisters will, it’s still critical to make sure your home is ready for the cold. Here are a few tips from Robinson Service Experts to get you started.
Clear Space Near Air Returns
You don’t need cold air returns in the cold season right? Wrong. Confirm your air returns (the larger vents) are not restricted and that air can flow smoothly through them. Your cold air returns are required to help your furnace run efficiently.
Update Your Windows
Windows are a usual way that heat can leak out your home, so think about replacing old or inefficient windows to help keep heat inside during the cold months.
Replace Your Home’s Air Filters
With allergy and cold season coming soon, you want to be sure you’re doing everything you can to keep your family healthy. For the well-being of your indoor air, swap out your furnace or duct air filter every quarter. This will also help your furnace run more efficiently and save you energy, which means lowering your energy bills.
Invest in an Energy-Efficient Heating System
If your system is older than 10 years, it’s most likely not nearly as energy-efficient as updated heating systems. Before the cold hits and you’re stuck with a failing furnace or high utility bills, think about upgrading your system.
Purchase a Whole-Home Humidifier
It may not seem logical, but more humidity, especially in northern climates, can make your home’s air feel warmer than it is. Joined with the other benefits of reducing dry skin and static, and a whole-home humidifier may be the ideal addition to your heating system.
Invest in a Programmable Thermostat
We can’t say it enough – a programmable thermostat decreases your energy use and bills no matter what time of year it is. A programmable thermostat will let you turn down your home temperature while you are out to help reduce heating costs, and increase the temperature before you even make it home to yield 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 heating system doesn’t have to work as hard, and therefore saves you money by lowering your heating costs. Ask your local utility companies about rebates on installing or upgrading your home’s insulation.
Insulate Plumbing
If you insulate your hot water pipes, it can actually help boost the temperature two or three degrees. Warmer water on a cooler setting? That saves you energy and money – yes, please!
Get a Furnace Tune-Up
Verify your heating system is ready to keep you warm and comfortable all winter long with an expert Precision tune-up from Robinson Service Experts . This month we are providing discounts on our heating tune ups to help make sure you stay warm and safe all winter long. Call 847-306-8730 today to schedule your seasonal tune-up or set up a no-charge in-home estimate on a new, energy-efficient heating and cooling system.