Summer is gone and the days at the lake have ended. The leaves are starting to fall off the trees and the preparation for cooler temperatures begin. The change of seasons in Minnesota is our cue to prepare for what’s ahead. September and October are a great time to start doing some tasks that will help prepare your home and HVAC for energy efficient winter months.
Home Efficiency To-Do List:
Consider an Energy Audit – Not only is an energy audit the “green” thing to do, it can also save you money. By identifying potential leaks in your home, an energy auditor can provide you with some simple and affordable improvements. Some utility companies and local governments may offer free or discounted audits, so ask around.- Get an Annual HVAC Tune-Up- By scheduling a tune-up of your HVAC equipment annually, and changing your air filters quarterly; you can reduce the chance of equipment breakdown and energy waste. Taking care of the HVAC equipment will reduce expensive and urgent maintenance and keep it running at peak performance.
- Replace Older Equipment – If your furnace is more than 10 years old or does not seem to be keeping up, set up a time for an HVAC professional to evaluate it. Consider replacing your furnace with an Energy Efficient model, and you may see a significant drop in your annual heating bill. It is important to hire an HVAC professional to install the equipment, as improper installation can reduce a systems energy efficiency by up to 30% according to Energy Star.
Once you have sealed up some of the air leaks in your home, and know that your HVAC equipment is ready for the upcoming winter, you can feel prepared and ready to enjoy the Minnesota autumn and upcoming winter.
