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 good to go for the cold. Here are a few suggestions from Niagara Home Services by Enercare to get you started.
Clear Space Around Air Returns
You don’t need cold air returns in the cooler months right? Wrong. Verify your air returns (the bigger vents) are not blocked and that air can easily flow through them. Your cold air returns are needed to help your heating system run efficiently.
Upgrade Your Windows
Windows are a typical way that heat can leak out your home, so think about replacing old or inefficient windows to help retain heat inside during the cold months.
Replace Your Home’s Air Filters
With allergy and cold season quickly approaching, you want to make sure you’re doing everything you can to keep your family healthy. For the sake of your indoor air, swap out your furnace or duct air filter every quarter. This will also help your equipment 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 almost certainly not nearly as energy-efficient as upgraded equipment. Before the winter hits and you’re stuck with a faulty furnace or high heating bills, discuss replacing your system.
Purchase a Whole-Home Humidifier
It may not seem logical, but more humidity, particularly in northern climates, can make your home’s air feel warmer than it is. Include the other benefits of reducing dry skin and static, and a whole-home humidifier could be the ideal addition to your HVAC system.
Invest in a Programmable Thermostat
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – a programmable thermostat saves you energy and money no matter what temperature it is. A programmable thermostat will let you turn down your home temperature while you are out to help reduce heating costs, and raise 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 trap heat in your home during the winter, decreasing your energy usage because your heater doesn’t have to operate as much, and therefore saves you money on heating bill. Ask your local utility companies about rebates on installing or upgrading your home’s insulation.
Cover 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 cooler setting? That decreases your energy usage and your energy bills – yes, please!
Get a Precision Tune-Up
Make sure your heating system is ready to keep your home warm and comfy all winter long with an expert Precision tune-up from Niagara Home Services by Enercare. Currently we are giving discounts on our seasonal tune ups to help make sure your home stays warm and safe through the cold months. Call 289-273-2229 today to schedule your heating tune-up or set up a complimentary in-home estimate on a new, energy-efficient HVAC system.