Winter weather has been here for a few months in New Jersey! HVAC Technicians know that the chilly weather brings a lot of new challenges to our customers, and the thought of high winter heating bills makes some people shiver! Fortunately, there are many ways that you can winterize your home and prepare for the cold. Read on to see our favorite DIY tips and more!
HVAC Specific
Your first thought when it comes to reducing your winter heating costs and winterizing your home may be directly related to your HVAC system. When was the last time you changed your furnace filter? Most of these are easily accessible, and designed to be changed on a regular schedule, usually once per month. Many people are guilty about forgetting about the filter at the end of the season, so always check your filter before turning on the heat for the season, and every month or so, as advised by your heater and filter manufacturer. Washable filters save money and reduce waste, but do need to be washed and dried—savvy customers often buy two so one can be installed while the other is cleaned. In addition to changing your filter, always make sure to adjust your thermostat, including programming cooler temperatures at night or while you are away from home.
Around the House
In addition to HVAC-specific adjustments, you can winterize other parts of your home effectively to reduce heating costs. Install blinds, curtains, or drapes to boost insulation around your windows, and make sure that all windows and floors are sealed against drafts. Draft dodgers are a great way to seal gaps under doors, and don’t forget to check if cold air is blowing around your electrical outlets. You can find solutions for excessive gaps, such as caulk or specially-fitted plastic seals, at most home improvement stores.
Time to Call A Professional
Sometimes, your air conditioning and heating services require more than DIY. In that case, it is time to call a professional! Part of your winterization routine should be to carefully assess your HVAC system and to schedule a professional tuneup. This saves money by preventing costly repairs and ensures your system will last as long as possible.
Are you ready to start winterizing today? For all the things you can’t do yourself, don’t hesitate to call a skilled HVAC technician in New Jersey. TM Brennan Services is ready and waiting for your call!