Winter is coming. (Cue Game of Thrones theme.) While you may not have to prepare quite the same way the Starks and Lannisters will, it’s still crucial to make sure your home is all set for the cold. Here are a couple suggestions from Jack Nelson Service Experts to get you started.
Clear Space Near Air Returns
You don’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 smoothly through them. Your cold air returns are necessary to help your heating system run efficiently.
Update Your Windows
Windows are a usual way that heat can seep out your home, so consider updating old or inefficient windows to help retain heat inside during the cooler months.
Replace Your Home’s Air Filters
With cold and flu season nearing, you want to make sure you’re doing anything you can to keep your family healthy. For the health of your indoor air, swap out your furnace or duct air filter every 12 weeks. This will also help your system run more efficiently and save you energy, which means lowering your utility bills.
Invest in an Energy-Efficient Heating System
If your system is older than 12 years, it’s probably not nearly as energy-efficient as upgraded furnaces. Before the winter hits and you’re stuck with a malfunctioning furnace or high energy bills, consider replacing your system.
Purchase a Whole-Home Humidifier
It may not make sense when you hear it, but higher humidity, especially in northern climates, can cause your home’s air to feel warmer than it actually is. Include the other benefits of decreasing 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 can’t say it enough – a programmable thermostat saves you energy and money no matter what season it is. A programmable thermostat will enable you to turn down your home temperature while you are at work to help decrease heating costs, and turn up the temperature before you even make it home to yield the ideal amount of home comfort.
Add or Upgrade Attic Insulation
Having the right amount of attic insulation helps keep heat from escaping during the winter, saving you energy 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.
Wrap Plumbing
By insulating your plumbing pipes, especially hot water pipes, you can actually help increase the temperature a few degrees. Hot water on a decreased setting? That saves you energy and money – yes, please!
Get a Precision Tune-Up
Make sure your heating system is ready to keep your home warm and comfortable all winter long with an expert Precision tune-up from Jack Nelson . Right now we are offering discounts on our seasonal tune ups to help make sure your home stays warm and safe through the cold months. Call 918-212-8927 today to schedule your heating tune-up or set up a free in-home estimate on a new, energy-efficient HVAC system.