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 critical to make sure your home is good to go for the cold. Here are a couple tips from Becht/Givens Service Experts to get you started.
Clear Space Around Air Returns
You won’t need cold air returns in the cooler months right? Wrong. Make sure 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 furnace run efficiently.
Upgrade Your Windows
Windows are a usual way that heat can escape your home, so think about 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 verify 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 few months. 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 system is older than ten years, it’s probably not nearly as energy-efficient as newer furnaces. Before the winter hits and you’re stuck with a failing furnace or high utility bills, discuss replacing your system.
Purchase a Whole-Home Humidifier
It may not sound right, but increased humidity, more so in northern climates, can result in your home’s air feeling warmer than it is. Add the other benefits of decreasing dry skin and static, and a whole-home humidifier might be the perfect addition to your heat and air system.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
We can’t say it enough – a programmable thermostat saves you energy and money no matter what season it is. A programmable thermostat will enable you to turn down your home temperature while you are at work to help decrease heating costs, and turn up the temperature before you even get home to provide the perfect 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 heating system doesn’t have to operate as much, and therefore saves you money by lowering your heating costs. Inquire with your local utility companies about rebates for upgrading or installing your attic insulation.
Insulate Plumbing
Insulating your hot water pipes can actually help boost the temperature two or three degrees. Hotter water on a lower setting? That lowers your energy use and bills – yes, please!
Get a Precision Tune-Up
Verify your heating system is ready to keep your family warm and cozy all winter long with an expert Precision tune-up from Becht/Givens . Right now we are giving discounts on our heating tune ups to help make sure your home stays warm and safe through the cold months. Call 502-785-8230 today to schedule your heating tune-up or set up a no-charge in-home estimate on a new, energy-efficient HVAC system.