Winter is coming. (Cue 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 good to go for the cold. Here are some tips from Aramendia Plumbing, Heating and Air to get you started.
Clear Space Surrounding Air Returns
You won’t need cold air returns in the cooler months right? Wrong. Make sure your air returns (the bigger vents) are not obstructed and that air can easily flow through them. Your cold air returns are needed to help your furnace run efficiently.
Update Your Windows
Windows are a typical way that heat can escape your home, so consider updating old or inefficient windows to help retain heat inside during the cold months.
Replace Your Home’s Air Filters
With sick season coming soon, you want to verify you’re doing everything 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 quarter. This will also help your system run more efficiently and save you energy, which means lowering your heating bills.
Invest in an Energy-Efficient Heating System
If your heating equipment is older than ten years, it’s probably not nearly as energy-efficient as updated equipment. Before the cold hits and you’re stuck with a faulty furnace or high energy bills, consider upgrading your system.
Buy a Whole-Home Humidifier
It may not make sense when you hear it, but increased 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 ultimate addition to your heating system.
Get 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 enable you to decrease your home temperature while you are at work to help decrease heating costs, and increase the temperature before you even get home to provide the right 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 furnace doesn’t have to operate as much, and therefore saves you money by decreasing your energy bills. Inquire with your local utility companies about rebates for installing or upgrading your attic insulation.
Cover Plumbing
By insulating your plumbing pipes, especially hot water pipes, you can actually help boost the temperature a couple of degrees. Hotter water on a lower setting? That lowers your energy use and bills – yes, please!
Get a Precision Tune-Up
Verify your furnace is ready to keep your home warm and cozy all winter long with an expert Precision tune-up from Aramendia Plumbing. This month we are offering discounts on our seasonal tune ups to help make sure you stay warm and safe all winter long. Call 210-404-4233 today to schedule your heating tune-up or set up a no-charge in-home estimate on a new, energy-efficient heating system.