It’s officially Fall in Northwest Arkansas — which means we’re all still wearing shorts, but colder weather is right around the corner. Now, before the cold really hits, is the best time to winterize your home, so you can save money on energy costs this season.
Here are the 5 things you need to do to get your home ready for fall/winter:
1. Check for drafts.
The fastest way to a high energy bill is letting the heat out through drafty windows and doors. Use your hands to feel for drafts around the edges of windows and doors. If you do find a draft, you need to repair the seal. Self adhesive weatherstripping can be an inexpensive fix.
2. Winterize your AC unit.
As soon as you’re finished using your air conditioning for the year, it’s time to winterize your AC unit. For window units, that means either removing them completely and storing until needed or covering the unit. This will prevent air leaks, which cause drafts and heat/energy loss.
For central air conditioning units, it’s important to clear away any debris like dead leaves and grass trimmings. Have a professional inspect and clean the coils and interior, and then cover your unit to prevent damage during the winter months from ice and debris.
3. Have your furnace inspected.
Hire an HVAC professional to inspect your furnace. They should test for leaks, change the filter, and check its heating efficiency. An inefficient furnace requires more energy to warm your home, meaning your electric and/or gas bill will be much higher than necessary.
Schedule your furnace inspection today!
If your furnace/HVAC unit is more than 10 years old, it may be time for a new one. Through December 31st, Kramer & Co Mechanical is offering the 10 year extended warranty — a $400-$600 value — for free when you purchase a new heating unit!
4. Protect your water lines.
Short of losing electricity, there is no bigger inconvenience than a burst or frozen water pipe in the winter. Water lines located in the attic or crawl space can be vulnerable to the harsh weather, so to protect them from the elements, you can wrap these lines with insulation.
5. Programmable Thermostat
Consider investing in a programmable thermostat. You can save as much as 10% on your heating bill by lowering the temperature 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day from its usual setting. With a programmable thermostat, you can automatically lower the temp while you’re sleeping or out of the house for the day and save a ton of energy without even noticing.
If you need help installing your thermostat, call Kramer & Co Mechanical at 479-855-6161.
