Well, February is back and it has some of our lowest historic average temperatures in the Charlotte area. We are looking at lows in the teens through the thirties most of the month, and even some snow projected to come down. We hope everyone has their winter jacket out of storage already, considering the generally warm winter we’ve been having. We even had some days around 70 degrees in December! But, the cold fronts have arrived and the temperature is plummeting, bringing windy and cold weather to Charlotte and our homes. Check out this forecast!
From Weather.com
How to Stay Warm During the Cold Front
Aside from bundling up in layers and waiting for this to pass, what can you do to ensure your home is going to be comfortable? Here are a few things you can do yourself to improve the efficiency of your furnace, heat pump and general home heating system:
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Check your filters for dust and other obstructions.
Dirty filters make your heat pump work all day and through the night to push air through the dust which is not good for any machine. Keep your filters clean by lightly vacuuming them to let your HVAC system rest. If they are ripped or too dirty for cleaning, they need to be replaced. -
Check your ductwork for obstructions.
Make a visual inspection of your ductwork at your registers or in the attic or crawlspace. If you see any ductwork that is kinked, fallen, or torn you should call the professionals at Andersen Heating & Cooling. -
Program your thermostat temperatures around your schedule.
Lower your home’s temperature by a few degrees when you leave and set it to reheat before you get home. This saves energy costs and lets your furnace and heat pump rest while you’re gone, working more efficiently when it is running. Your home gets warm again before you arrive! -
Keep your doors between rooms open.
Closing your home’s doors when you do not need to is like sealing it off from the circulation. The fans behind furnaces and heat pumps move 1000-2000 cubic ft per minute, so allow them to move the air around for even heating.
What Else You Can Do
These are just a few things you can do personally at home to ensure your heating system is working properly and your home is staying warm. These suggestions will lower your energy bill if done properly and will reduce the stress on your system. This lowers long-term costs associated with your HVAC system. If any of the items listed do not seem right or are out of your scope, feel free to give Andersen Heating & Cooling a call and we can help solve your problems. We replace filters, maintenance your system and offer further suggestions for how to keep your home warm, all part of the heating services we offer. Along with this, if you do not have a programmable thermostat, consider calling us to help you choose what is best for you and your needs. Andersen Heating & Cooling is here for the customer and for comfort in every home in Charlotte and the surrounding areas.
