Here in Iowa, winter seems to hit hard and fast every year. Many people find that they are under-prepared when that first cold day comes to kick off the season. That’s why winter prep needs to start long before the first morning frost in October. As a trusted HVAC company in Ankeny, Aspen Aire put together five important winter weather safety tips for your home to help you stay warm and safe all season.
1. Get Your Furnace Checked
Whether you turn your furnace on the minute the temperature drops below 60 outside or you hold out until the first freeze, make sure your furnace will run when you need it to. Scheduling a fall furnace tune-up every year helps prevent breakdowns and run more efficiently. Even if you have a newer furnace, seasonal clean and checks are a good idea to help your heating equipment last longer. We recommend scheduling your pre-season furnace check in September or early October to beat the rush.
2. Change Your Furnace Filter
It’s extremely important to make sure your furnace filter is changed regularly, especially during heating season. A dirty HVAC filter restricts air flow and forces your heating system to work harder and use more energy. Not sure how often to change your furnace filter? Our recommendation for most homes is every 90 days, but your household may need a new furnace filter more often. Whatever frequency you decide on, mark on your calendar when the filter was last changed to keep on track.
3. Seal in the Heat
Don’t overlook the impact a drafty window or door can have on your heating bills. Door draft guards, window insulation kits and caulking or weather-stripping can help you save money in the long run on your energy bills and keep your home nice and toasty.
4. Test Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless and odorless gas found in the fumes of fuel-burning equipment like gas furnaces, stoves and dryers. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 100,000 people visit the emergency room, more than 14,000 are hospitalized, and more than 400 people in the U.S. die from carbon monoxide poisoning every year.
One of the best things you can do to prevent CO poisoning is to install a battery-operated CO detector to alert you if there’s a carbon monoxide leak in your home. Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed on each floor of your home, near the bedrooms. Be sure to change the batteries and test the detectors at least twice a year and replace the detector every five years.
5. Clean & Check Your Fireplace Before Use
There’s nothing like a cozy fire during the winter, but make sure your fireplace is clean and clear before lighting it up. If you have a chimney, make sure it’s capped to keep rain, animals and debris out. Most importantly, use mesh or glass fireplace doors when you have a fire going to keep embers from shooting out into the room and causing a fire.
Follow these winter weather safety tips to keep you and your home cozy and safe all winter long.