Winter in this country typically means short days, long nights, and several chilly months to look forward to. But just because winter is here doesn’t mean you and your family have to spend the season shivering and wrapped in blankets.
If you're looking for ways to make your home more energy-efficient, budget-friendly, and warm, then you’ve come to the right place!
1. Get a Heating Tune Up
Do you know if your furnace needs cleaning, repairs, or other maintenance? If not, you should schedule an annual furnace inspection with a professional to ensure that your heating system will continue functioning all winter long. Along with checking for damage, corrosion, and safety issues, a proper tune up will also guarantee optimal efficiency from your furnace with a checklist that includes:
- Cleaning and dusting
- Checking for and removing blockages
- Lubricating moving parts
- Addressing leaks, cracks, and rust
2. Put in a Humidifier
Humidifiers aren't just great for getting rid of winter dryness, and they're also perfect for making the air in your house feel warmer.
By installing a humidifier and keeping the moisture level in your house between 30 and 50 percent, you can make the temperature feel up to 10 F higher.
Not only will your house feel warmer, but you'll also be able to turn down the thermostat and save money.
3. Make a Winterizing Plan
One of the biggest ways you lose both heat and money in the winter is through cracks, leaks, and drafts in your house. Along with warm air escaping from your house through these pathways, cold air can also find its way in, and this means a colder house and a furnace that must work harder. To winterize your house, seal leaks and drafts in vents, ducts, windows, doors, and walls with tools and supplies like:
- Weather stripping and draft guards
- Insulation
- Storm windows and doors
- Window film
- Chimney balloons
Winterizing your house, preparing your furnace, and being more conscious about your furnace and energy use can lower your heating bills and make your home more comfortable.
4. Splurge on a New Thermostat
The trick here is to maximize the efficiency of your furnace while also minimizing your energy costs. A programmable thermostat can help because it allows you to regulate the temperature in your house depending on the time of day, whose home, and what's going on inside.
At night when everybody is sleeping and during the day when everybody is out of the house, set the temperature to 60 F. In the morning and evening when everyone is home and awake, set the thermostat to increase the temperature to a more comfortable 68 F.
Money savings: A programmable thermostat set to these temperatures could save you up to 20 percent on your energy bills.
If you want help with the winterizing process, have HVAC needs you want to address this winter, or want to schedule a furnace tune-up, call 617-566-6990 today to book an appointment with the specialists at Atlantic Heating & Air Conditioning.
