As we take down the old calendar and put up the 2024 model, we can say officially that winter is upon us!
Here in northwest Tennessee, where winter paints a picturesque but bone-chilling portrait, ensuring your home is ready to endure the long haul of winter is essential.
Lucky for you, your friends here at Blankenship Heating & Air have a few suggestions to help you with this annual task!
Switch and Save
Did you know your ceiling fans can spin both ways? During the summer, your fans should be spinning counter-clockwise to circulate the cool air from your AC downward into the room.
Once winter arrives, you want to flip a little switch on your fan to reverse the direction of the blades. Since warm air rises, your fan will create an updraft to circulate the heat effectively. This helps warm the room and thus reduces the strain on your heating system.
Cover It Up
Before the next snowfall catches you unaware, covering your outdoor air conditioning unit is a good idea. This smart move helps shield it from damage otherwise dealt by winter’s icy grip.
Ensure that the power to the unit is off to prevent any unexpected starts during unseasonably warm days. This simple step can extend the life of your equipment and save you from potential repair costs.
Change Your Filter. Often.
If there’s one mantra that we will repeat over and over again, it’s this: change your air filters often! This seemingly insignificant component plays a vital role in the function of your HVAC system.
Your air filter guards against particulates and helps improve indoor air quality. With the changing seasons, we cannot stress heavily enough that you need to replace your air filter every month. This is especially important if your household includes furry friends.
Why not pause now and replace it for peace of mind?
The Ducts Directive
If your home were a living organism, its veins would be the air ducts transporting warm air from your furnace to every corner of your home. As your home ages, these ducts may deteriorate, leading to punctures, dust accumulation, or even the dangerous threat of mold.
While some issues may be visible to the naked eye, it’s always wise to have Blankenship Heating & Air provide a professional inspection. We ensure that the warmth flowing through your home is as pure as the winter air is cold.
Carbon Monoxide Safety
The silent menace of carbon monoxide requires unwavering vigilance. Regular testing of your CO detectors is paramount to ensuring your family’s safety.
As you huddle indoors to escape winter’s chill, your chimney may subtly threaten your home’s air quality. An annual inspection is more than a precaution; it’s the most effective defense against the silent buildup of carbon.
How’s Your Insulation?
Is your attic much colder than your home? If so, you must ensure that air is not seeping into your home and putting extra strain on your furnace.
At Blankenship Heating & Air, we suggest your attic has an R-value of 49. This will help serve as a protective barrier to keep warmth where it belongs—inside your home.
If your attic’s insulation is over a decade old or you suspect it’s less than adequate, call us. We can help determine how much insulation you need to prevent losing heat.
Crank It Up
Before the full brunt of winter sets in, take a moment to give your heating system a “dress rehearsal”. Turn on your furnace at full blast and confirm that everything works. Knowing your home will be warm and comfortable when it truly matters will offer peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Now that the holiday season has passed, it’s your cue to take action.
Give us a call today at (731) 733-3333 and allow us to run through a winter checklist with you. Ensuring your HVAC is ready for the cold will help keep you and your family warm, helping lower the energy bill.
With Blankenship Heating & Air, you’ll be ready to embrace winter’s beauty, snug and warm within your well-prepared home.
