When the mercury drops in Savannah, GA, you expect your home’s heating system to keep you warm. When your heater’s running constantly, but your home still feels cold, it’s natural to look for a solution. There are a few short-term solutions and long-term fixes that will help keep your home comfortable. Here are some tips from the HVAC pros at Air Therm.
Check Your HVAC Air Filter
The first thing to do when your heater isn’t keeping your home warm is to check its air filter. Most furnaces have disposable air filters that need replacement at least every three months. If you’ve neglected yours, it may be excessively dirty. That can restrict airflow through the system, affecting its ability to keep your home warm. Replacing your filter may solve your problem. Be sure to buy a filter with the same dimensions and MERV rating as the one it’s replacing. That will ensure optimal performance.
Install Weather-stripping
Sometimes, cold air leaking through your home’s doors and windows will overwhelm your heating system. To stop it, consider installing weather-stripping around your windows and exterior doors. It creates a tighter air seal, stopping drafts and retaining more heat indoors. If your home has especially old windows, you might even consider installing window insulation. It comes in the form of plastic sheeting you affix to the window frame. Then, when you apply heat to the plastic, it shrinks, creating a tight fit. The plastic traps air between itself and your window. Air is an excellent insulator and will help keep heat inside your home.
Improve Your Attic Insulation
Another problem that can lead to a cold home is inadequate attic insulation. Modern standards call for insulation in your Savannah home’s attic with an R-value between 30 and 60. If your home is older, there’s a good chance it needs an upgrade. Since heat rises, a poorly-insulated attic is a major source of heat loss. It can also amplify other issues with your home’s air envelope, because the updraft of hot air often pulls in cold air elsewhere.
Have Your Ductwork Inspected
One of the most common problems that can make your home feel cold with the heat on is failing ductwork. The ductwork in the average home will only last around 25 years. After that, its joint seals may fail, and its materials may begin to deteriorate. The result is heated air escaping into your home’s walls, where it does you no good. So, it’s wise to have your home’s ductwork professionally inspected and, if necessary, repaired. That will ensure proper airflow throughout your home, improving your comfort.
Schedule a Heating Tune-Up
Did you know that your home’s heater requires annual professional maintenance? Without it, it can rapidly lose efficiency, and heat output may decline. If you can’t remember the last time you had your heater serviced, that could explain why your home feels cold. A heating tune-up includes a thorough cleaning of your heater’s internal components. That improves system efficiency and maximizes heat output. It also includes a comprehensive inspection to detect any malfunctions. Lingering problems can hamper your heater’s ability to keep you warm. If our technician spots a problem, they’ll let you know and recommend a solution.
Upgrade Your Heating System
Ultimately, the best way to fix the problem of a cold home in the winter is a heating upgrade. If your home’s heating system is past its prime, it may no longer have the capacity to keep your home warm. Installing a new furnace or heat pump provides an opportunity to reevaluate your home’s heating needs. That way, you can be certain your new heating system is the right size and delivers the comfort you expect. Plus, a new system should be more efficient than the one it replaces. It should deliver superior comfort while reducing operating costs.
Your Efficient Heating Experts
Since 1969, Air Therm has served the comfort needs of Savannah homeowners through our expert HVAC repairs, maintenance, and installations. We’re a Carrier Factory-Authorized Dealer, so we only sell the finest-quality systems available. Plus, we can provide financing options on approved credit to help you afford a heating replacement. So, if you need help ensuring your Savannah home has adequate heat this winter, contact Air Therm now!
