Winter is coming. (Cue Game of Thrones intro.) 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 tips from Gordon's Service Experts to get you started.
Clear Space Surrounding Air Returns
You don’t need cold air returns in the cooler months right? Wrong. Verify your air returns (the larger vents) are not obstructed and that air can easily flow through them. Your cold air returns are required to help your furnace run efficiently.
Replace Your Windows
Windows are a typical way that heat can get out of your home, so think about replacing old or inefficient windows to help retain heat inside during the winter months.
Replace Your Home’s Air Filters
With allergy and cold season quickly approaching, you want to verify you’re doing all you can to keep your family from falling ill. For the well-being of your indoor air, replace your furnace or duct air filter every quarter. This will also help your furnace run more efficiently and save you energy, which means lowering your energy bills.
Invest in an Energy-Efficient Heating System
If your system is older than 10 years, it’s almost certainly not nearly as energy-efficient as newer furnaces. Before the cold hits and you’re stuck with a failing furnace or high heating bills, discuss investing in an upgraded system.
Invest in a Whole-Home Humidifier
It may not make sense when you hear it, but more humidity, particularly in northern climates, can result in your home’s air feeling warmer than it is. Joined with the other benefits of reducing dry skin and static, and a whole-home humidifier might be the ideal addition to your heating system.
Install 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 let you turn down your home temperature while you are away to help decrease heating costs, and increase the temperature before you even arrive home to yield the perfect amount of home comfort.
Add or Upgrade Attic Insulation
Having the right amount of attic insulation helps retain heat during the winter, lowering your energy use because your heating system doesn’t have to operate as much, and therefore saves you money on heating bill. Ask your local utility companies about rebates for installing or upgrading your attic insulation.
Wrap Plumbing
Insulating your hot water pipes can actually help increase the temperature two or three degrees. Hot water on a decreased setting? That decreases your energy usage and your energy bills – yes, please!
Get a Heating Tune-Up
Be sure your heater is ready to keep you warm and cozy all winter long with an expert Precision tune-up from Gordon's . Right now we are giving discounts on our seasonal tune ups to help make sure you stay warm and safe through the winter. Call 405-432-2197 today to schedule your seasonal tune-up or set up a free in-home estimate on a new, energy-efficient heating and cooling system.