Winterize Your Home for the Winter
Winter is coming. (In comes Game of Thrones music.) 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 some tips from Roland J. Down Service Experts to get you started.
Clear Space Near Air Returns
You won’t need cold air returns in the winter right? Wrong. Make sure your air returns (the bigger vents) are not obstructed and that air can flow smoothly through them. Your cold air returns are needed to help your heating equipment run efficiently.
Replace Your Windows
Windows are a usual way that heat can leak out your home, so contemplate replacing old or inefficient windows to help retain heat inside during the winter 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 sake of your indoor air, make sure you’re replacing your furnace or duct air filter every three months. This will also help your furnace run more efficiently and save you energy, which means saving you money on heating 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 upgraded heating systems. Before the winter hits and you’re stuck with a malfunctioning furnace or high utility bills, think about upgrading your system.
Invest in a Whole-Home Humidifier
It may not make sense when you hear it, but more humidity, especially in northern climates, can result in your home’s air feeling warmer than it is. Add the other benefits of less dry skin and static, and a whole-home humidifier could be the ideal addition to your heat and air system.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – a programmable thermostat decreases your energy use 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 out to help reduce heating costs, and raise the temperature before you even arrive 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 heating system doesn’t have to work as hard, 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
By insulating your plumbing pipes, especially hot water pipes, you can actually help raise the temperature a few degrees. Hotter water on a cooler setting? That decreases your energy usage and your energy bills – yes, please!
Get a Precision Tune-Up
Verify your heating system is ready to keep your home warm and cozy all winter long with an expert Precision tune-up from Roland J. Down . Right now we are providing discounts on our heating tune ups to help make sure your family stays warm and safe all winter long. Call 518-417-2938 today to schedule your Precision tune-up or set up a no-charge in-home estimate on a new, energy-efficient heating system.
