With the Holiday season now past us, we’ve moved into the colder months of winter. Regardless of where you’re at, the first few months of the year test a home’s durability with cold, wet weather. Sometimes, our homes don’t function as well as we think they should. Energy bills are higher and you can’t quite figure out why. Preventative maintenance can help ensure your home continues to stay warm into the winter, but what else can you do to get ready? To better prepare your home for these tougher months, we’ve put together a few winter tips for you to help improve performance and cut energy bills.
Get An HVAC Tune-Up & Ductwork Inspection
Having your HVAC tuned up will tell you how well the HVAC unit is functioning. A ductwork inspection can help detect if there are any leaks in your ducting, or if certain rooms aren’t getting as much heat.
Check & Change Air Filters
Air filters keep a good amount of dust, debris, and other particles from entering your ductwork and HVAC; but need to be changed regularly to ensure maximum performance. Clogged air filters can limit the amount of air traveling through your home, forcing your system to work harder. Your air filter should be changed approximately every 60-90 days.
Check Window & Door Insulation
As seasons change and homes settle, seals around windows and doors can crack and shift; causing loss of insulation and heat. This can cause a drastic increase in utility bills. Take some time and check your window and doors to see if they are properly sealed and insulated. You can use caulking, weather stripping, foam, or other implements to improve the insulation in your home.
Change Ceiling Fans To Reverse
This seems like a no-brainer, but many people forget their ceiling fans have a reverse function. During colder months, switch your ceiling fan to rotate clockwise. This pulls warm air from the ceiling down, saving you money on your heating bill.
Get A New Thermostat
Smart thermostats are changing the way people heat and cool their homes. These innovative products learn your HVAC habits and self improve over time; saving your money on utility bills during summer and winter months. If you’re not ready to spend the money on a new thermostat, you can reprogram your current thermostat to be a few degrees cooler during night hours, or when you’re away from the home.
Following these tips can help save you money and frustration during the colder months. If you’ve tried these steps and still struggle with preparing your home for winter, fill out our free estimate form to see how we can help you and your family stay warm and comfortable.