Winterize Your Home for the Winter

Winter is coming. (Cue Game of Thrones intro.) While you probably won’t have to prepare quite the same way the Starks and Lannisters will, it’s still crucial to make sure your home is ready for the cold. Here are a few tips from Church Services to get you started.

Clear Space Around Air Returns

You don’t need cold air returns in the cooler months right? Wrong. Make sure your air returns (the bigger vents) are not obstructed and that air can flow smoothly through them. Your cold air returns are required to help your furnace run efficiently.

Update Your Windows

Windows are a common way that heat can escape your home, so contemplate upgrading old or inefficient windows to help retain heat inside during the cooler months.

Replace Your Home’s Air Filters

With sick season nearing, you want to be sure you’re doing everything you can to keep your family healthy. For the health of your indoor air, replace your furnace or duct air filter every 12 weeks. This will also help your furnace run more efficiently and save you energy, which means saving you money on energy bills.

Invest in an Energy-Efficient Heating System

If your furnace is older than 10 years, it’s most likely not nearly as energy-efficient as newer furnaces. Before the cooler temperature hits and you’re stuck with a failing furnace or high utility bills, consider upgrading your system.

Purchase a Whole-Home Humidifier

It may not seem logical, but higher humidity, especially 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 may be the ideal addition to your heating system.

Invest in 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 season it is. A programmable thermostat will allow you to turn down your home temperature while you are out to help decrease heating costs, and increase the temperature before you even make it home to yield the perfect amount of home comfort.

Add or Upgrade Attic Insulation

Having the correct amount of attic insulation helps keep heat from escaping during the winter, decreasing your energy usage 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 on installing or upgrading your home’s insulation.

Wrap Plumbing

If you insulate your hot water pipes, it can actually help raise the temperature two or three degrees. Hot water on a decreased setting? That saves you energy and money – yes, please!

Get a Precision Tune-Up

Make sure your heater is ready to keep you warm and comfy all winter long with an expert Precision tune-up from Church Services. Right now we are giving discounts on our heating tune ups to help make sure you stay warm and safe through the cold months. Call 713-396-3760 today to schedule your heating tune-up or set up a no-charge in-home estimate on a new, energy-efficient heating system.