Winter is coming. (Signal Game of Thrones intro.) 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 recommendations from Comfort Masters Service Experts to get you started.
Clear Space Surrounding Air Returns
You don’t need cold air returns in the cooler months right? Wrong. Make sure your air returns (the larger vents) are not obstructed and that air can flow easily into them. Your cold air returns are needed to help your heating system run efficiently.
Upgrade Your Windows
Windows are a common way that heat can get out of your home, so contemplate upgrading old or inefficient windows to help keep heat inside during the cold months.
Replace Your Home’s Air Filters
With sick season coming soon, you want to make sure you’re doing everything you can to keep your family from falling ill. 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 lowering your energy bills.
Invest in an Energy-Efficient Heating System
If your furnace is older than 12 years, it’s probably not nearly as energy-efficient as newer furnaces. Before the winter hits and you’re stuck with a faulty furnace or high heating bills, think about upgrading your system.
Buy a Whole-Home Humidifier
It may not make sense when you hear it, but more humidity, more so in northern climates, can make your home’s air feel warmer than it is. Joined with the other benefits of less 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 lowers your energy usage and bills no matter what temperature it is. A programmable thermostat will let you decrease your home temperature while you are at work to help decrease heating costs, and turn up the temperature before you even get home to yield the ideal amount of home comfort.
Add or Upgrade Attic Insulation
Having the ideal amount of attic insulation helps retain heat during the winter, decreasing your energy usage because your heater doesn’t have to work as hard, and therefore saves you money by decreasing your energy bills. Check with your local utility companies about rebates on installing or upgrading your home’s insulation.
Wrap Plumbing
By insulating your plumbing pipes, especially hot water pipes, you can actually help increase the temperature two or three degrees. Hotter water on a lower setting? That lowers your energy use and bills – yes, please!
Get a Furnace Tune-Up
Be sure your furnace is ready to keep your home warm and comfortable all winter long with an expert Precision tune-up from Comfort Masters . Currently we are giving discounts on our seasonal tune ups to help make sure you stay warm and safe through the cold months. Call 847-250-6729 today to schedule your Precision tune-up or set up a complimentary in-home estimate on a new, energy-efficient heating system.