Follow Us On Facebook5 Ways to Prepare Your Home for the Heating Season
After some of the high temperatures we experienced this summer, you might be ready for the cool fall weather coming our way…but is your home? Before the temperatures really drop, follow these five tips to prepare your home for the colder weather ahead and make sure your family will remain warm and comfortable throughout the heating season.
1. Winterize windows and doors.
Gaps in caulk and weather-stripping can cause air leaks accounting for up to a 10% increase in heating bills. To save energy and money this heating season, check the windows and doors around your home and seal any drafty spots. Weather-stripping is the most cost-effective way to reduce drafts, keep your home comfortable, and lower heating and cooling bills.
2. Protect your air conditioning system.
If your home has central air conditioning, you may need to cover your outdoor unit to protect it before the winter weather hits. Cool your home with window units? Make sure to remove or cover them to prevent air leaks. Cleaning the unit of dust before storing will make prepping for the cooling season much easier come spring.
3. Clean or replace dirty filters.
Check your system’s air filters every month or so and clean or replace them depending on how dirty they get. This will improve the indoor air quality around your home and allow your furnace to run more efficiently.
4. Schedule a heating system tune-up.
Contact your local oil provider to schedule yearly preventative maintenance. An annual tune-up will allow your system to run as safely and efficiently as possible, while extending the lifespan of your equipment and reducing the need for emergency service calls.
5. Schedule a fuel delivery.
Make sure your system has the fuel to keep your home warm. Schedule a fuel delivery ahead of time to avoid being in a pinch once the temperatures really drop. While you’re at it, ask your local oil provider about their automatic delivery programs and enjoy the convenience of never having to monitor your oil levels or call to schedule a delivery again.