Winter is coming. (In comes Game of Thrones theme.) While you probably won’t have to prepare quite the same way the Starks and Lannisters will, it’s still important to make sure your home is all set for the cold. Here are some tips from Epperson Service Experts to get you started.
Clear Space Around Air Returns
You shouldn’t need cold air returns in the cold season right? Wrong. Verify your air returns (the more sizable vents) are not obstructed and that air can flow easily into them. Your cold air returns are necessary to help your heating equipment run efficiently.
Upgrade Your Windows
Windows are a typical way that heat can seep out your home, so consider updating old or inefficient windows to help keep heat inside during the cooler months.
Replace Your Home’s Air Filters
With allergy and cold season quickly approaching, you want to make sure you’re doing all you can to keep your family healthy. For the well-being of your indoor air, make sure you’re replacing your furnace or duct air filter every quarter. This will also help your furnace run more efficiently and save you energy, which means decreasing your heating bills.
Invest in an Energy-Efficient Heating System
If your heating equipment is older than 12 years, it’s most likely not nearly as energy-efficient as upgraded furnaces. Before the cold hits and you’re stuck with a faulty furnace or high heating bills, discuss upgrading your system.
Purchase a Whole-Home Humidifier
It may not sound right, but increased humidity, particularly in northern climates, can cause your home’s air to feel warmer than it actually is. Add the other benefits of decreasing dry skin and static, and a whole-home humidifier could be the ideal addition to your HVAC system.
Get a Programmable Thermostat
We say it all the time – 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 decrease heating costs, and increase 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, lowering your energy use because your heater doesn’t have to run as much, and therefore saves you money on heating bill. Inquire with your local utility companies about rebates on installing or upgrading your home’s insulation.
Cover Plumbing
Insulating your hot water pipes can actually help increase the temperature a couple of degrees. Hotter water on a cooler setting? That lowers your energy use and bills – yes, please!
Get a Furnace Tune-Up
Make sure your heating system is ready to keep your family warm and comfortable all winter long with an expert Precision tune-up from Epperson . This month we are offering discounts on our fall tune ups to help make sure you stay warm and safe through the winter. Call 843-619-3781 today to schedule your seasonal tune-up or set up a no-charge in-home estimate on a new, energy-efficient HVAC system.