5 Tips to Get You Ready for the Heating Season

Are the leaves crunching under your feet? Does it smell like pumpkin everywhere you go? Well, ready or not, it’s time to turn up your thermostat and prepare for colder weather and higher bills. While an increase in energy bills is always to be expected during the heating season, there are some simple and inexpensive things to do to stay warm while saving money on energy. The key is to act now before winter arrives.

Regularly maintaining your heating system prevents malfunctions and repairs later in the heating season. In addition, there are some steps you can take before turning on your boiler or furnace to improve your home’s comfort.

Here are some tips on what to do to make this winter cozier.

Schedule a Maintenance Check-Up

Maintaining your furnace is essential if you want it to last a lifetime. No matter what type of heating system you have, having your equipment checked annually by licensed HVAC technicians is always a good idea. Performing this annual maintenance early in the fall will help ensure that your furnace, heat pump, or boiler functions efficiently and properly. So, now it’s the perfect time to contact an HVAC service in your area for HVAC maintenance.

For example, if you live in Saskatoon, Canada, or anywhere in the surrounding communities in Saskatchewan and want to keep your home comfortable, seek a certified heating Saskatoon-based company that offers outstanding service. The HVAC technicians can also detect potential problems while they are still simple and inexpensive to fix. But if you don’t own an air conditioner yet, consider installing a new one for the upcoming season. It’s a wise investment related to your home’s air quality, energy bills, and comfort.

Insulate Your Windows

It’s critical to have windows that keep the freezing cold out. So, it’s best to install storm or double-paned windows. The extra air pocket will aid in insulating your windows, preventing them from making your home cold. Don’t forget to check around the edges of the windows to ensure that no cold air enters your home. Use a candle to help you find drafts, and seal them to keep your house warm.

Hot air escapes quickly through cracks in your windows, even the tiniest ones, forcing your furnace, heat pump, or boiler to work harder and increasing your utility bills. Repairing any cracks in your windows and doors will provide more consistent temperatures and lower heating bills.

However, it’s also important to use the windows to your advantage. So, open the curtains and blinds when the sun shines to allow the sun’s natural energy to warm your home. Close the window blinds on cold days and every night to increase insulation.

Replace Old Filters and Thermostat

Check your filters before the heating season and replace them if needed for cleaner air and improved efficiency. Clogged filters restrict airflow into your heating system and can be a reason for overheating. If you use your HVAC system frequently, replacing the furnace filters monthly throughout the fall/winter season is best.

When dirt clogs the airflow, furnaces work harder, so changing the filters is critical for optimal operation. Also, if you have an old thermostat, consider replacing it to ensure your home is heated well and to gain more temperature control.

Make the Most of Your Layout for Warm Air Flow

It would help if you rearranged your rooms around heating vents to maximize airflow while leaving enough space between furniture and heating equipment. Heavy objects, window dressing, and even toys are heat blockers, so keep your radiators, baseboard heaters, and warm-air registers clear for cost savings.

In addition, you can also rely on your interior design and decor to help you throughout the heating season. Lay down some textiles, like carpeting and rugs, since they can help to retain heat.

Carbon Monoxide Protection

While it’s critical to seal your home to keep out chilly air, it’s also crucial to avoid trapping carbon monoxide inside. Breathing carbon monoxide is dangerous since it can make you feel sick, pass out, and even kill you. So, ensure your gas appliances are vented to avoid the hazardous gas buildup in your home. In addition, regularly have your furnace and water heater serviced.

It’s wise to buy a carbon monoxide alarm and check its batteries regularly. And test it to ensure it’s working correctly so you can detect any dangerous fumes your heating system emits if it doesn’t function properly.

Wrapping Up

Saving energy and maintaining your heating system doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Some simple fixes can keep your home warm while saving you money on your energy bills. Following our tips will help extend your heating system’s life and keep it safe.