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 all set for the cold. Here are a few recommendations from Barlow Service Experts to get you started.
Clear Space Near Air Returns
You shouldn’t need cold air returns in the cooler months right? Wrong. Confirm your air returns (the more sizable vents) are not obstructed 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 seep out your home, so consider updating 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 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 equipment run more efficiently and save you energy, which means saving you money on utility bills.
Invest in an Energy-Efficient Heating System
If your system is older than 12 years, it’s most likely not nearly as energy-efficient as upgraded heating systems. Before the winter hits and you’re stuck with a failing furnace or high heating bills, consider replacing your system.
Purchase a Whole-Home Humidifier
It may not seem logical, but increased humidity, more so in northern climates, can result in your home’s air feeling warmer than it is. Joined with the other benefits of decreasing dry skin and static, and a whole-home humidifier could be the ideal addition to your HVAC 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 time of year it is. A programmable thermostat will allow you to turn down your home temperature while you are at work to help reduce heating costs, and raise the temperature before you even make it home to provide the perfect amount of home comfort.
Add or Upgrade Attic Insulation
Having the ideal amount of attic insulation helps keep heat from escaping during the winter, lowering your energy use because your heater 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
By insulating your plumbing pipes, especially hot water pipes, you can actually help boost the temperature a couple of degrees. Warmer water on a decreased setting? That lowers your energy use and bills – yes, please!
Get a Furnace Tune-Up
Be sure your heater is ready to keep your family warm and comfy all winter long with an expert Precision tune-up from Barlow . This month we are providing discounts on our heating tune ups to help make sure your family stays warm and safe through the winter. Call 801-436-8985 today to schedule your heating tune-up or set up a no-charge in-home estimate on a new, energy-efficient HVAC system.