As we all know, winters in Western NY can be brutal. While the snow may be beautiful to look at, the cold temperatures can wreak havoc on your home if you’re not prepared. It’s important to take some time before the cold weather hits to make sure your home is ready for those frigid temperatures. Here are a few tips to help you prepare your home for extreme winter temperatures:

Keep your home well-insulated to prevent heat loss

Proper insulation will help to keep your home warm in the winter (and cool in the summer). If you notice certain areas in your home being drafty, or if you notice your heating and cooling system kicking on more than usual, you may need more insulation. Some areas may be easy to insulate by a DIYer, while others may require the help of a professional.

Seal windows and doors

One way to keep heat from escaping your home is by properly sealing windows and doors. You can do this yourself by caulking and weatherstripping around doors and windows, and you can also use a Window Insulator Kit to prevent heat loss from your windows. Improperly sealed windows are one of the most common ways heat escapes from a home, so this is an important step in preparing your home for extreme winter temperatures.

Close off any unused rooms to minimize the amount of heat you need to generate

If you have any rooms in your home that are not being used, turn off the heat to those rooms and close the doors. This will help to minimize the amount of heat you need to generate and can save you money on your energy bill. Less square footage to heat means less work for your furnace, which can help significantly on those very cold days.

Install a programmable thermostat so you can adjust the temperature when you’re not home

A programmable thermostat can be a great way to save money on your energy bill. You can set the temperature to be lower when you’re not home and then raise it again when you return. This can help to minimize the amount of heat you’re using when no one is home, which can make a big difference on your energy bill.

Use alternative heat sources if possible

Supplement the heat from your HVAC system with safe alternative heat sources to help minimize the strain on your whole-house system. This could include using a wood stove or fireplace, or even electric blankets. Just be sure to follow all safety precautions when using any type of alternative heating source.

Protect your pipes

One of the most important things to do when preparing your home for extreme winter temperatures is to protect your water pipes. Pipes that are exposed to freezing temperatures are at risk of bursting, so it’s important to take measures to prevent this from happening. You can insulate your pipes with pipe insulation or heat tape, and you should also let faucets drip a little bit to keep water moving through the pipes and prevent them from freezing.

Service your HVAC system

Before the cold weather hits, it’s crucial to have your HVAC system serviced by a professional. This will help to ensure that it’s running properly and can help prevent any problems from arising during the winter. A well-maintained HVAC system will run more efficiently and can help you save money on your energy bill.

Potter Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing offers a full array of installation, cleaning, and repair of boilers, furnaces, and heat pumps, so you can rest assured your home will be warm all winter long. Contact us today to schedule a service appointment!

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Furnaces and heat pumps both provide warmth to your home, but they do so in different ways. A furnace uses a system of heated aluminum or stainless heat exchangers and a blower to circulate warm air throughout your home, while a heat pump moves heat from the outdoors into your home. In addition, furnaces typically use natural gas or propane as their source of heat, while heat pumps only use electricity.

How to choose the right furnace or heat pump for your home

There are a few things you should take into account when deciding whether to install a furnace or heat pump in your home. The first is the climate you live in. If you live in an area with mild winters, a heat pump may be the better choice for you. Keep in mind there are cold climate heat pumps, but those are slightly different applications. However, if you live in an area with very cold winters, a furnace will be more effective at keeping your home warm.

The second thing to consider is the cost of installation and operation. Furnaces are typically less expensive to install than heat pumps. Heat pumps, on the other hand, are more expensive to install but less to operate because they use electricity instead of natural gas or propane, and they have fewer moving parts.

The benefits of each type of heating system

Benefits of heat pumps

1. Heat pumps are more energy-efficient than furnaces because they use electricity to operate.
2. Heat pumps can both heat and cool your home, making them a versatile option for temperature control.
3. Heat pumps do not produce any carbon emissions, making them a more environmentally-friendly option than furnaces.

Benefits of furnaces:

1. Furnaces are typically more powerful than heat pumps, meaning they can heat your home more quickly.
2. Furnaces can be a good option if you live in an area with very cold winters, as they will be more effective at keeping your home warm.

How to maintain your furnace or heat pump for optimal performance

There are a few things you can do to maintain your furnace or heat pump and keep it running at peak performance. First, be sure to change filters regularly. This will help to remove any dust or dirt that could clog up the system and cause it to work less efficiently. Secondly, have your heating system serviced by a professional every year to ensure that all the parts are in good working order. Finally, make sure to keep any areas around your furnace or heat pump clear of debris so that the system can work properly.

If you’re not sure which type of heating system is right for your home, contact a professional HVAC contractor. They will be able to help you choose the best option for your needs and budget.

Tips for saving money on your energy bills this winter

1. Install a programmable thermostat: A programmable thermostat can help you save money on your energy bills by allowing you to set the temperature lower when you’re away from home or asleep.
2. Seal any drafts: Drafty windows and doors can let cold air into your home, causing your furnace to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. Seal any cracks or gaps around doors and windows with weatherstripping or caulk.
3. Insulate your home: Proper insulation in your walls, attic, and floors will help to keep heat from escaping, making your home more energy-efficient.
4. Limit the use of exhaust fans: Exhaust fans can remove heat from your home, making your furnace work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. Limit the use of exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom, and make sure to turn them off when they’re not needed.

By following these tips, you can save money on your energy bills this winter without sacrificing comfort. If you have any questions on how to improve the energy efficiency of your home, contact a professional HVAC contractor. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action for your home.

Let Potter HVAC help you decide

With decades of experience in installing and servicing furnaces and heat pumps, Potter HVAC is a trusted name in HVAC in Rochester, NY, and Finger Lakes regions. We can help you choose the best heating system for your home, based on your needs and budget. We offer a wide range of options, from furnaces to heat pumps, and we have a team of experienced professionals who can install and maintain your system for optimal performance. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services and to schedule a consultation.

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