Winter is coming. (Cue Game of Thrones music.) 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 some tips from Broad Ripple 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 obstructed and that air can flow easily into them. Your cold air returns are needed to help your heating equipment run efficiently.
Replace Your Windows
Windows are a typical way that heat can seep out your home, so think about replacing old or inefficient windows to help trap heat inside during the cooler months.
Replace Your Home’s Air Filters
With cold and flu season quickly approaching, you want to be sure you’re doing everything you can to keep your family healthy. For the health 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 energy bills.
Invest in an Energy-Efficient Heating System
If your heating equipment is older than ten years, it’s almost certainly not nearly as energy-efficient as updated furnaces. Before the winter hits and you’re stuck with a failing furnace or high energy bills, think about replacing your system.
Buy a Whole-Home Humidifier
It may not sound right, but higher humidity, more so in northern climates, can result in your home’s air feeling warmer than it is. Include the other benefits of less dry skin and static, and a whole-home humidifier could be the perfect 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 saves you energy and money no matter what temperature it is. A programmable thermostat will enable you to decrease your home temperature while you are away to help reduce heating costs, and turn up the temperature before you even get home to provide the right amount of home comfort.
Add or Upgrade Attic Insulation
Having the right amount of attic insulation helps trap heat in your home during the winter, decreasing your energy usage because your heating system doesn’t have to work as hard, and therefore saves you money by decreasing your energy bills. Ask your local utility companies about rebates for installing or upgrading your attic insulation.
Insulate Plumbing
Insulating your hot water pipes can actually help increase the temperature a couple of degrees. Warmer water on a cooler setting? That saves you energy and money – yes, please!
Get a Precision Tune-Up
Be sure your heating system is ready to keep your home warm and comfortable all winter long with an expert Precision tune-up from Broad Ripple . Right now we are providing discounts on our heating tune ups to help make sure your home stays warm and safe all winter long. Call 317-527-0271 today to schedule your seasonal tune-up or set up a no-charge in-home estimate on a new, energy-efficient heating system.