As the temperature starts to drop, many homeowners are preparing to turn on their air conditioners for the first time. If you're one of these people, we want you to be prepared before it gets too cold. Here are some tips and tricks to help your home stay comfortable during those cooler fall days.
Furnace Repair
Furnaces are great for keeping the home warm during winter, but they can also make it too hot in the fall if you don't take some precautions. One of these is checking and replacing your filter regularly so that air circulating through the house isn't warmed up by passing over a dirty or clogged filter. In addition to making sure your filter is clean, you may want to invest in a programmable thermostat. This will help save money and prevent overcooling the house while you're away or sleeping during the day. If you notice other issues with your furnace that you aren’t able to repair yourself, contact a furnace repair company.
Keep the Shades Closed
Along with checking your filter, you might also want to keep curtains and blinds drawn during the day. This will help maintain a more consistent temperature throughout the house, which may be important for rooms like kitchens where sunlight can cause heat gain.
Stay Comfortable With Layers
Many people will start wearing jackets and sweaters as the temperatures drop, but it can be hard to dress for comfort indoors. If you want some relief from heat or coolness, try layering clothes that are made out of different materials, such as cotton/wool blend or a cotton t-shirt under a sweater. Also, using space heaters to maintain a consistent temperature in certain rooms may be necessary, so make sure you keep them away from flammable items and consider installing smoke alarms.
Check Your Windows for Drafts
If you want to keep cool, don't forget about the windows. If any areas of your house feel drafty or cold, make sure these spots aren't near a window. You might also consider installing storm panels if they haven't already been installed on older houses. Storm panels will help block out cold air while still maintaining a clear view out the window.
The steps we outlined above may seem like a lot of work, but they'll help keep your home comfortable as the temperatures change and will make those cooler fall days feel just right.
