During the winter, we spend more time indoors trying to shelter ourselves from the cold.
We skipped Fall this year in Upstate SC and moved right into winter – and getting ready sooner rather than later is always a good idea. During the winter, we spend more time indoors trying to shelter ourselves from the cold. You want to make sure that your home is comfortable AND safe. Is your heating system (heat pump, gas furnace, electric heat) ready for the cold weather that’s surely on the way, oh wait it’s here! Yikes!
There are some things you can do to get ready for the cold, because it’s cold out there, 20’s already Upstate!
· Adjust your programmable thermostat settings to reflect the season.
· Change your furnace filter (or clean your permanent one).
· Seal any air leaks.
· Invest in weather stripping.
· Clear leaves and debris away from your outdoor equipment.
· Change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
· Clear clutter away from your indoor equipment.
YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, WE HAVE ANSWERS
Question? Worried that your gas furnace/heat pump isn’t going to reach your set temperature fast enough?
Answer: Resist the temptation to dramatically raise your temperature settings! Raising the temperature your thermostat is set to does not make your home heat any more quickly. All you’re doing is raising your heating bill and damaging your equipment.
Question? Do you have a portable space heater for supplemental heating?
Answer: Yes, please make sure you turn off any portable heating equipment when you aren’t in the room. An un-monitored space heater is a major safety hazard.
Question? Safety on the mind?
Answer: Make sure your fire alarm and carbon monoxide detectors have fresh batteries. Test all the detectors in your home to make sure they are ready to alert your family if there is a fire or the presence of CO in your home. Silent, odorless killer that can be prevented.
Question? What is the most important thing you can do to prepare for a cold winter heating season?
Answer: Think about how your car would run if you didn’t get the oil changed regularly. Now imagine how the heating system in your home will run without maintenance. Regular tune-ups and maintenance are a great way to positively impact the heating system in your home.