Easy Ways to Prepare Your Home for Winter Weather
The winters in Chicago can be brutal. The freezing temperatures, high humidity levels, and lake-effect snow can not only wreak havoc on your daily life, but they can also negatively impact your home and your comfort. Instead of suffering through the cold, follow these easy steps to ensure your home is ready for whatever winter may bring.
Give Your Heating System a Tune-Up
The simplest way to prepare for the harsh winter weather is to make sure that your heating system is up to the task of adequately heating your home. Proper maintenance is vital to ensuring that your furnace and HVAC system are functioning efficiently and effectively, and the best time for a heating tune-up is before the worst of the winter weather sets in. In this way, you can ensure your home stays warm without your energy costs soaring.
Make Sure Your Ductwork Is in Good Shape
Leaking or damaged ductwork can reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system by 25% or more. As a result, your furnace will be forced to work overtime and you’ll likely see a huge spike in your heating costs. Having your ductwork inspected and sealed or repaired as needed is an easy way to boost your heating efficiency and potentially lower your energy bills.
Check That Your Doors and Windows Are Well Sealed
Windows and doors can be a major source of heat loss during the winter. Any drafts or air leaks around the windows or doors result in hot air escaping and cold air getting inside. This means it is a good idea to check both the weather-stripping and caulking around your windows and doors to ensure they are sealed up tight. If your home has older single-pane windows, you should also consider having them replaced to better protect against heat loss. If this isn’t possible, you might instead consider using a window insulation kit to cover the inside of your windows with plastic and help provide better protection against heat loss.
Your Trusted Heating Experts
If you’re looking for heating maintenance or other ways to ensure your Chicago area home is ready for winter, CSL Climate Control Company is standing by to help. Our highly trained HVAC technicians can handle any and all of your heating needs, and we are available 24/7 to take care of any emergency repairs. We also offer a full range of cooling maintenance, repair, and installation services, as well as numerous solutions to help improve your home’s indoor air quality.
Looking for a furnace tune-up or other heating services? Contact us today to see how we can help ensure your home stays warm and toasty throughout the long, cold winter.
