The first snow of this winter season has fallen in Cache Valley! While it’s exciting at first, the majority of us realize what this signifies– 4 months of freezing temperatures and consistent snowfall. It’s a love-hate relationship really. If you can get out of work, you’re heading to the mountains to enjoy the new powder known as “the greatest snow on Earth,” but if you’re like the rest of us, you have to wake up to layering your coats, shoveling snow, and scraping your car windshields.
Here at Bear River Heating and Air Conditioning, we know how important it is to be prepared for the coming winter months and the lifestyle change that comes with it. There are a lot of things that need to happen to ensure you and your family are comfortable in your homes this winter. Our professionals have come up with 5 tips and tricks to help winterize your home’s HVAC in Cache Valley to keep you safe, warm, and with peace of mind.
Inspect the Insulation
If you don’t know where to start when it comes to winterizing your Logan home, let’s simplify it– start at the top! The attic of your home is the most important insulating area because *you guessed it* heat travels up. Most older homes, sadly, do not have sufficient insulation to keep the house heated. If you’ve noticed that your home loses its warmth quickly, this may be the case and it’s definitely a good time to call an HVAC company in Cache Valley. A typical attic should have anywhere from 10-14 layers of insulation. If your home is lacking this insulation, the warm air can quickly find its way out of your house through the attic.
Check (and Caulk) Any Cracks
After you’ve checked the attic, it’s time to inspect for any cracks or openings that could cause air to potentially escape your home. Pay close attention to windows, doors, and any spigots that you may have. These spots are likely culprits for gaps where air can creep through. It’s best to start detecting outside leaks and move inside as winter gets colder and colder. In the case that you find any holes or gaps, it’s best practice to use a high-quality caulk or sealant to patch up the leaks.
Freshen Up Filters
We’re hoping you have a routine when it comes to replacing your furnace filter. If not, now is a great time to start one! Furnace filters are an easy way to improve your home’s warm air flow and avoid costly furnace repair and replacement. Due to the usage of your furnace during the wintertime, it’s recommended to change your filter every 60 days. Another great way to prepare your furnace for the winter is to have a furnace tune-up and safety check. Our Logan HVAC specialists are trained specifically for these inspections and make sure that everything is working as it should be, all the time, every time.
Protect Your Pipes
Ever wondered why people turn on their faucets before going to bed in the winter? This is a precaution taken to protect pipes from freezing overnight. It only takes 4-5 hours of freezing temperatures for plumbing pipes to burst. Imagine all the work if something like that goes wrong in your house, or even below! Be sure to turn off your outdoor water lines as well.
Spruce Up The Fireplace
Many Cache Valley homes still have a fireplace, but what’s the point if they don’t work? Many fireplaces have decades of soot build-up and some can even have creatures living in them. If neglected, these can be huge hazards to homeowners. It’s always smart to schedule a professional chimney sweep and empty out your firebox before operating your fireplace.
Winter is officially here and we hope you’re ready! Here at Bear River Heating and Air Conditioning, we’re dedicated to preparing your home for the winter to come. Schedule an appointment or give us a call at (435) 753 4536 and trust our experienced professionals for your winter HVAC in Logan today!
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