Winterize Your Home for the Winter
Winter is coming. (Signal Game of Thrones intro.) While you may not have to prepare quite the same way the Starks and Lannisters will, it’s still critical to make sure your home is good to go for the cold. Here are a couple tips from San Antonio Air Service Experts to get you started.
Clear Space Surrounding Air Returns
You shouldn’t need cold air returns in the cooler months right? Wrong. Verify your air returns (the larger vents) are not blocked and that air can flow easily into them. Your cold air returns are required to help your heating system run efficiently.
Upgrade Your Windows
Windows are a usual way that heat can get out of your home, so consider replacing old or inefficient windows to help retain heat inside during the cold months.
Replace Your Home’s Air Filters
With sick season coming soon, you want to be sure you’re doing all you can to keep your family in good health. For the sake of your indoor air, replace your furnace or duct air filter every quarter. This will also help your equipment run more efficiently and save you energy, which means lowering your utility bills.
Invest in an Energy-Efficient Heating System
If your furnace is older than 12 years, it’s probably not nearly as energy-efficient as newer heating systems. Before the winter hits and you’re stuck with a faulty furnace or high heating bills, think about investing in an upgraded system.
Purchase a Whole-Home Humidifier
It may not make sense when you hear it, but increased humidity, especially in northern climates, can cause your home’s air to feel warmer than it actually is. Joined with the other benefits of less dry skin and static, and a whole-home humidifier could be the ultimate addition to your heating system.
Get a Programmable Thermostat
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – a programmable thermostat lowers your energy usage and bills no matter what temperature it is. A programmable thermostat will allow you to turn down your home temperature while you are out to help lower heating costs, and increase the temperature before you even arrive home to provide 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 furnace doesn’t have to work as hard, and therefore saves you money on heating bill. Inquire with your local utility companies about rebates for upgrading or installing your attic insulation.
Insulate Plumbing
If you insulate your hot water pipes, it can actually help raise the temperature two or three degrees. Hotter water on a lower setting? That decreases your energy usage and your energy bills – yes, please!
Get a Furnace Tune-Up
Verify your furnace is ready to keep your family warm and comfortable all winter long with an expert Precision tune-up from San Antonio Air . This month we are giving discounts on our seasonal tune ups to help make sure you stay warm and safe through the winter. Call 210-570-9705 today to schedule your heating tune-up or set up a free in-home estimate on a new, energy-efficient heating system.
