Winter is coming. (In comes Game of Thrones intro.) 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 good to go for the cold. Here are some recommendations from Strogen's Service Experts to get you started.
Clear Space Around Air Returns
You don’t need cold air returns in the winter right? Wrong. Verify your air returns (the more sizable vents) are not blocked and that air can flow easily into them. Your cold air returns are required to help your heating equipment run efficiently.
Replace Your Windows
Windows are a common way that heat can get out of your home, so consider upgrading 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 be sure you’re doing anything you can to keep your family from falling ill. For the health of your indoor air, replace your furnace or duct air filter every quarter. This will also help your equipment run more efficiently and save you energy, which means decreasing your heating bills.
Invest in an Energy-Efficient Heating System
If your system is older than ten years, it’s most likely not nearly as energy-efficient as newer furnaces. Before the winter hits and you’re stuck with a faulty furnace or high heating bills, consider replacing your system.
Buy a Whole-Home Humidifier
It may not seem logical, but higher humidity, especially in northern climates, can cause your home’s air to feel warmer than it actually is. Joined with the other benefits of reducing dry skin and static, and a whole-home humidifier might be the ultimate 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 time of year it is. A programmable thermostat will let you lower your home temperature while you are out to help lower heating costs, and turn up the temperature before you even make it home to yield the ideal amount of home comfort.
Add or Upgrade Attic Insulation
Having the correct amount of attic insulation helps trap heat in your home during the winter, saving you energy because your furnace doesn’t have to run as much, 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 increase the temperature a couple of degrees. Hot water on a decreased setting? That saves you energy and money – yes, please!
Get a Precision Tune-Up
Verify your furnace is ready to keep your family warm and comfortable all winter long with an expert Precision tune-up from Strogen's. Currently we are offering discounts on our fall tune ups to help make sure you stay warm and safe through the winter. Call 603-923-4570 today to schedule your Precision tune-up or set up a complimentary in-home estimate on a new, energy-efficient heating system.