Have you ever found yourself wondering if your home is truly ready for winter? Maybe you’re not sure if you’ve covered all the bases or if there’s something you might have missed that could save you from a chilly surprise later. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with some easy-to-follow tips
With winter just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start preparing your home—whether we’re in for a mild season or a serious cold snap. A few simple maintenance tasks now can make all the difference when the temperatures drop! Here are eight essential tips to get your home ready for whatever winter might bring. Don’t you just Love Winter? I really do like it, I like sitting in front of the fireplace as it is snowing and have a nice glass of wine. Listen to some music and look around and say, “This Is Home” and “I Am So Blessed”. Don’t wait for Winter before you get your home ready for the impending and unpredictable weather ahead. Wouldn’t you know it, Murphy’s Law: “Your furnace/air conditioner will stop working on the coldest day in winter and the hottest day in summer.
Now is a good time to do a blog post on preventative measures, and some sound advice from the experts.
Unfortunately , I have quite a bit of experience with having to replace heating and air-conditioning for various reasons. .
Before you pull out the box of holiday decorations, take some time to make simple changes inside your home to prepare for winter weather. These changes will also reduce your energy bill and cut costs in surprising ways. When you’re heating and air conditioner breaks, it becomes an emergency that disrupt your entire household. The goal is to repair or replace the unit as quickly as possible. Care should still be taken to find the most reliable and trustworthy HVAC contractor for your project. This helps ensure that your home is restored to its original condition as quickly as possible. Hiring a contractor is a big decision. Ask friends for who they are using, ask a real estate agent, above all else sure that they are licensed and accredited and have good reviews.
In The Home….
- Get a HVAC tuneup
- Flip/reverse your ceiling fan blades over, this allows them to push the air down. Warm air rises, so as the warm air is trying to leave, the fan blades will push it back down into the room.
- Set your programmable thermostat 1-2 degrees lower than normal. See how you adjust to it over a week or so. While you are in bed, set it 1-2 degrees lower than during the day, and throw an extra blanket on the bed.
- Place rocks in your shoe tray. This allows your boots to dry quicker and make less mess.
- Add a blanket or two the couch and some extra to your beds. It’s always nice to cuddle up with a blanket and mug of hot chocolate.
- Clean the chimney.
- Have a bag of extra rags handy. If your pipes freeze, you can wrap the pipes in rags to keep them from leaking or bursting. This will help warm them up.
However, I know that there are things we need to be doing to get ready for winter. Specifically, there are things that we need to be concerned about when it comes to our HVAC system.
Did You Know…..On average, replacing a HVAC system costs upwards of $5000. If the unit and ductwork needs replacing, you’re often looking at costs of more than $10,000. This is a lot of money to spend on a home improvement, and it’s no wonder that many people put off replacing their HVAC system.
However, there could be a time when it becomes necessary to replace your HVAC system. These systems aren’t designed to run forever and can become inefficient over time. But just how do you know when your HVAC system is at the end of its life? Don’t ignore the warning signs like my friends did….or you will be left out in the cold!
- Schedule your furnace or heating system to be serviced before the winter season.
- Replace your filter monthly to reduce energy costs and keep your system running smoothly.
- Consider installing a new programmable thermostat to allow you to adjust or schedule temperatures and save on your energy bill.
- Get a carbon monoxide alarm. These inexpensive devices could very well save your life. Be certain to get one that is battery-operated, because the most likely time you will need it is when the power is out.
- If you’re using a secondary heat method or a generator, make certain you have adequate ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
It Keeps Breaking Down
This is the most telltale sign that your HVAC system needs replacing. HVAC systems can stop working for various reasons and most of these reasons are easily fixable.However, a HVAC system keeps breaking down, it’s a sign that there is too much wear and tear. Constantly getting problems fixed could get expensive and could be inconvenient, so it makes sense to invest in new HVAC at this point.
Your Energy Bills KEEP Going Up
Dirty filters and other issues can result in HVAC systems using up more energy than is necessary to operate. This can lead to high energy bills. The more wear and tear your HVAC system experiences, the harder it will have to work to achieve the right temperature in your home and the higher your bills will become. Replacing your HVAC system could be a good investment, because your energy bills will be immediately lower. In fact, modern HVAC systems are so much more efficient than older systems that you could end up seeing huge savings each year.
Never Changing Your Air Filter
An air filter’s job is to clean the air that circulates through your heating and cooling system. When air filters get dirty, they restrict air flow to your HVAC system which makes it work harder and longer (leading to higher utility bills!). They also have a max holding capacity so once yours is full, the bacteria, allergens, and dust can come through into your air supply.
When selecting an air filter for your HVAC system, you should consider the size and type of filter necessary for your particular system, as well as the environment that your system works in. Additionally, make sure to research any ratings, such as MERV ratings, and hire an HVAC professional if you need additional help.
TIDBIT What is an HVAC System? HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.
Selecting the Right Air Filter
The type of filter typically comes down to either disposable or reusable filters. Disposable filters require regular replacement and tend to be more affordable but can cause a slight drop in system efficiency due to buildup over time. Reusable filters need much less frequent replacing and can help with increasingly efficient systems depending on how often they are washed, although they may have a higher upfront cost than disposable filters.
It’s Over 20 Years Old
Modern HVAC systems are being built to last longer. However, on average, most systems have a life of 15 to 25 years before needing to be replaced. By this point, there is usually so much wear and tear that repairs are not financially worthwhile. Consider whether your HVAC system is over 20 years old and whether it could be time to get a new system installed. It’s worth noting that if you’ve been regularly servicing and maintaining your HVAC system and have not had any problems, you may be able to get a few more years out of your system. However, once your HVAC system exceeds 20 years and problems start occurring, you may not want to delay a replacement for too long.
The Air Quality Is Bad
Fluid leaks, faulty ducts and blocked filters in old HVAC systems can all result in poor air quality. If you’re noticing that unpleasant odors are wafting from your HVAC system, it could be a sign that the air quality is being negatively affected. Excess humidity could also be a sign that the air quality is not good. Cleaning filters and fixing leaks may sort the problem, but it’s possible that it could be a combination of a lot of problems as a result of your HVAC system nearing the end of its life. Replacing your system could make the air quality cleaner and healthier.
Conclusion
In short, maintaining your home’s HVAC system is key to a cozy, healthy living space during winter. Addressing heating or air conditioning issues quickly can save you time and money. Finding a reliable HVAC contractor ensures prompt, trustworthy repairs or replacements when needed. Keep an eye out for signs like frequent breakdowns, high energy bills, or poor air quality to know when it’s time for a new system. Regular maintenance not only extends the life of your HVAC but also keeps your home efficient and comfortable. By staying proactive, you’re investing in your family’s well-being and your home’s long-term comfort.
Ready to keep your home warm and cozy this winter? Share your favorite winterizing tip or let me know in the comments if you have any questions about preparing your HVAC system! And if you’re looking for more home maintenance tips, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter for expert advice straight to your inbox. Let’s get your home winter-ready together!
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