Preparing Your Home and Furnace For the Winter

Temperatures in Kansas City can drop thirty degrees overnight, letting us know that winter is right around the corner. Before winter rolls in completely, follow these five steps to prepare your home for the incoming cold:

1. Patch and caulk drafty windows and doors Your heating and cooling systems will work best when the home is properly insulated and maintained. Add new caulk to the exterior areas of your windows, and any other areas that may need new caulk. Add curtains that can be closed shut on cold days to further avoid a draft.
2. Get your HVAC system checked and serviced by A.B. May Maintenance appointments improve the performance, efficiency, and longevity of your furnace. All major mechanical systems need regular tune-ups to run effectively. Just like your car needs regular oil changes, your furnace runs its best with maintenance twice a year.A.B. May’s technicians are well-trained, thorough, and professional. They answer any questions you have and help you understand how well your system is operating. After maintenance, your furnace will be better equipped for the bitter cold that Kansas City winters can bring.
3. Replace Air Filters To keep the air in your home at its cleanest, replace air filters often. All furnaces come with a standard air filter to keep particles from damaging the system. These filters are usually 1/2 to 1 inch thick, and replacing them regularly keeps your system running smoothly. Regular filter changes also bring health benefits by keeping dirt and debris out of the air in your home.
4. Install a Nest thermostat for information at your fingertips Not only do Nest thermostats automatically adjust when you're away to save energy, they are easily controlled through an app on your smart phone. You can adjust the temperature in your home from anywhere, and keep an eye on your habits and energy savings.
5. Swap out window screens for storm windows- Installing storm windows will help decrease the amount of heat leaking through your windows and can also help lower your energy bills.
6. Inspect your chimney- Check your chimney for any obstructions like birds nest or debris, that could have formed over the summer. Be sure there is no significant soot buildup, which can be a fire hazard. If you haven’t had your chimney inspected in a while, call your professionals to clean the ducts.

While these tips are helpful and a great way to start preparing your furnace for the winter, be sure to turn to your trusted professionals for help with any furnace issues. A.B. May is here to help keep you warm, comfortable and safe and to help with all of your heating needs. To schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services offered, visit our website or give us a call at 913-370-4898.