Here in New Mexico, we are always skeptical of major weather events that are called a week in advance, partly because we can experience all the seasons in a single day! This time, we should all be more prepared for these unsuspecting storms, and go through our home’s “winter-ready” checklist. Affordable Service Plumbing, Heating, A/C, & Electric have compiled a list of to-do’s you can tackle as soon as the snow melts!
Change the Air Filter: Most manufacturers recommend changing your air filter every three months, which if done on a schedule, would fall on the changing of seasons. Regularly changing out your air filters not only help keep your air and furnace working efficiently, but it also helps reduce the amount of dust and other airborne particles in your home. It is also recommended that when you change your air filters, clean the vents as well. These have a tendency to build up with dirt, pet hair, and dander.
Have A Professional Inspect It: You may have already started your heating system due to the severe weather change we recently encountered, but it is always a good idea to call and schedule an appointment to have one of our skilled technicians inspect your furnace. Annual system inspections help prevent unexpected and often expensive repairs.
HVAC Replacement: At Affordable Service, we understand that replacing your HVAC system is expensive, but when winter and summer come, the cost of comfort often outweighs the cost of the system. We offer $1,500 in rebates when you purchase a new HVAC system through us and we offer free estimates.
Programmable WiFi Thermostats: The days of coming home to a freezing house in the Winter are over! When you install a programmable wifi thermostat, you can remotely program it to start warming up a little before you get home. A wifi thermostat can help lower your energy bill, your HVAC system will be more efficient. And, if there is a cold spell while you’re out of town, you can increase the temperature to prevent your pipes from freezing and avoid a disaster!
Insulate The Attic: Affordable Service now offers blown-in insulation. Blown insulation will help keep your home warmer in the winter and the hot summer heat out in the summer, this keeps your system energy efficient to keep your home’s temperature maintained.
Protect Your Outside Pipes: Protecting your home against broken water pipes during the winter months can be as simple as shutting off water to your irrigation system and covering your hose bibs. Additionally, if you have a crawl space with exposed plumbing, make sure those areas are well insulated and that there are no open areas where a freezing wind could enter the crawl space. According to a study done by State Farm Insurance, homeowners spend as much as $15,000 on water pipe repairs during the winter.
Affordable Service Plumbing, Heating, A/C, and Electric is committed to serving our customers and providing information that can help prevent home disasters. For all of your plumbing, HVAC, and electrical needs, Affordable Service is the company to call! For more information on how to keep your home running efficiently, look at our previous blogs, and check back for more!
