In this season of preparation, a little planning can go a long way in ensuring a wonderful wintertime. The same can be said about heating your home. Putting a few comfort measures in place can help keep you and your family warm and cozy. Here are six tips from the pros at Main Stream Mechanical to prepare your home for the long winter ahead:
1. Weatherize your home.
Keep warm air from escaping your home by adding caulk around windows and weather stripping around doors. When you’re not using your fireplace, close the damper to prevent warm air from leaving your home. These steps will keep you comfortable without increasing your heating bills.
2. Manage your thermostat.
When we’re cold, we tend to crank up the thermostat–thinking it will warm the house quicker. That’s a common misconception. It actually won’t make your boiler, furnace, or heat pump heat any faster. The key to keeping your home comfortable is to manage your thermostat by programming it at a level that keeps your home warm and the chill out. Then raise it a degree or two for added warmth.
3. Change the ceiling fan direction.
It sounds counterintuitive to use your ceiling fans in the winter, but they can actually help warm your home. Flip the fixture switch to change the direction of the blades to rotate clockwise. This new circulation takes warm air that is trapped near the ceiling and redistributes it back down into the room. Since this is only beneficial when there are people in the room, be sure to turn off the ceiling fans when no one is present to avoid wasting electricity.
4. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are essential safety devices that protect your family and home from harm. As a general rule of thumb:
Test devices every month by pressing the test button on each unit.
Replace batteries every six months and when monitors begin to chirp.
Replace carbon monoxide detectors every five to seven years, and every 10 years for smoke alarms.
5. Clear away snow and ice from your outdoor exhaust pipes.
Buildup from snow and ice restricts air flow, causing failures in the condensing unit and heat pump, and preventing your system from working properly. Check your outside exhaust pipes frequently throughout the winter, especially after a heavy snowfall, and clear away any obstructing debris.
6. Schedule annual maintenance.
This is the season where your heating system takes center stage. But if it’s running poorly, it can leave you in the cold. Schedule an annual maintenance check with an HVAC specialist to ensure your furnace or boiler is operating safely and efficiently.
HVAC Installation, Maintenance, Service and Repair
Our full-service HVAC team wants you and your family to have a safe, warm and cozy winter. We are ready to help you with your winter heating preparations. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for your heating system needs.
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