Winter is coming. (Cue Game of Thrones music.) 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 few recommendations from Norrell Service Experts to get you started.
Clear Space Surrounding Air Returns
You don’t need cold air returns in the cold season right? Wrong. Confirm your air returns (the bigger vents) are not blocked and that air can easily flow through them. Your cold air returns are necessary to help your furnace run efficiently.
Replace Your Windows
Windows are a usual way that heat can seep out your home, so consider replacing old or inefficient windows to help keep heat inside during the cold months.
Replace Your Home’s Air Filters
With cold and flu season coming soon, you want to verify you’re doing anything you can to keep your family healthy. For the sake of your indoor air, make sure you’re replacing your furnace or duct air filter every few months. This will also help your furnace run more efficiently and save you energy, which means decreasing your energy bills.
Invest in an Energy-Efficient Heating System
If your heating equipment is older than 10 years, it’s almost certainly not nearly as energy-efficient as newer heating systems. Before the cooler temperature hits and you’re stuck with a faulty furnace or high heating bills, consider replacing your system.
Purchase 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. Joined with the other benefits of decreasing dry skin and static, and a whole-home humidifier could be the ultimate addition to your HVAC system.
Invest in a Programmable Thermostat
We say it all the time – a programmable thermostat decreases your energy use and bills no matter what temperature it is. A programmable thermostat will allow you to lower your home temperature while you are away to help lower heating costs, and raise the temperature before you even arrive home to give you the ideal amount of home comfort.
Add or Upgrade Attic Insulation
Having the correct amount of attic insulation helps retain heat during the winter, decreasing your energy usage because your furnace doesn’t have to work as hard, and therefore saves you money by decreasing your energy bills. Ask your local utility companies about rebates on installing or upgrading your home’s insulation.
Cover Plumbing
If you insulate your hot water pipes, it can actually help increase the temperature two or three degrees. Hot water on a decreased setting? That lowers your energy use and bills – yes, please!
Get a Heating Tune-Up
Verify your heater is ready to keep your home warm and cozy all winter long with an expert Precision tune-up from Norrell. Currently we are giving discounts on our fall tune ups to help make sure your family stays warm and safe all winter long. Call 205-267-0023 today to schedule your Precision tune-up or set up a no-charge in-home estimate on a new, energy-efficient HVAC system.