Winter is coming. (In comes Game of Thrones theme.) While you may not have to prepare quite the same way the Starks and Lannisters will, it’s still essential to make sure your home is ready for the cold. Here are some recommendations from R & M Climate Control Service Experts to get you started.
Clear Space Around Air Returns
You won’t need cold air returns in the cooler months right? Wrong. Make sure your air returns (the larger vents) are not obstructed and that air can easily flow through them. Your cold air returns are needed to help your furnace run efficiently.
Replace Your Windows
Windows are a common way that heat can get out of your home, so consider upgrading old or inefficient windows to help trap heat inside during the cold months.
Replace Your Home’s Air Filters
With allergy and cold season nearing, 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 few months. This will also help your equipment run more efficiently and save you energy, which means saving you money on utility bills.
Invest in an Energy-Efficient Heating System
If your heating equipment is older than ten years, it’s almost certainly not nearly as energy-efficient as newer heating systems. Before the winter hits and you’re stuck with a malfunctioning furnace or high utility bills, consider investing in an upgraded system.
Invest in a Whole-Home Humidifier
It may not make sense when you hear it, but more humidity, especially in northern climates, can cause your home’s air to feel warmer than it actually is. Joined with the other benefits of decreasing dry skin and static, and a whole-home humidifier could be the ultimate addition to your heat and air system.
Get a Programmable Thermostat
We can’t say it enough – a programmable thermostat decreases your energy use and bills no matter what temperature it is. A programmable thermostat will allow you to decrease your home temperature while you are away to help decrease heating costs, and turn up the temperature before you even make it home to give you the right 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 furnace doesn’t have to work as hard, and therefore saves you money by lowering your heating costs. Ask 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 few degrees. Warmer water on a cooler setting? That decreases your energy usage and your energy bills – yes, please!
Get a Heating Tune-Up
Make sure your heating system is ready to keep you warm and comfy all winter long with an expert Precision tune-up from R & M Climate Control . Currently we are giving discounts on our fall tune ups to help make sure you stay warm and safe through the cold months. Call 865-229-6176 today to schedule your Precision tune-up or set up a complimentary in-home estimate on a new, energy-efficient HVAC system.