Restock Essentials
Don’t get stuck in the cold without the essentials you need. Before the freezing weather gets here, make sure you have everything you will need to safely move about and get out of the house. Put your shovel and ice scraper where they will be easily accessible. Purchase ice melt to keep on hand. Ice storms don’t always come with fair warning, so having it on hand can be tremendously helpful. It is also a good idea to keep your car stocked with items that will keep you safe a warm in case of an accident while you wait for emergency response… heavy blanket, hand & foot warmers, flashlight, reflective triangle, etc.
Drain Outdoor Water Lines
Call your landscaping company before the ground freezes to drain the water from your irrigation system. Any residual water left in your irrigation system over the winter season will freeze, expand, and likely cause serious damage to the entire system. It is also a good idea to disconnect and drain the hoses around your house.
Mind Your Roof
It can be important to make sure everything is up to standard with your roofing before winter starts. Don’t get stuck with roof leaks from snowmelt because of an overlooked crack or gap. Another way to make sure your roof is protected is to keep your gutters clear from debris. If gutters get overfilled, water can get backed up into your attic or other areas in your home where it shouldn’t be. When this water freezes, it can cause even more damage.
Look for Leaks
Leaks in the seals on your home can be somewhat difficult to notice in the warmer months. However, as the temperature drops, you may notice heat escaping near your windows and doors. Check the seals in these areas to make sure there aren't any cracks or gaps letting warm air escape. There are several tools you can use to help seal off doors and windows. Some are very simple additions to the bottom of the door or window that provide an additional buffer from the elements.
If you are still noticing a lot of heat loss in the winter months, you may want to consider investing in energy-efficient windows. These windows help hold in the warm air (or in the summer, the cool air) so your HVAC system doesn't have to work so hard to keep up. If you aren't sure how efficient your HVAC system is, call Royal Heating & Air and schedule a Home Comfort Check. We will do a complete check of your heater, gas furnace burners, and heating elements and help you find anything that may not be functioning at its optimal level.
Get a Programmable Thermostat
Traditional thermostats simply read the temperature of the room and signal your HVAC system to kick in if it is below (or above in the summer) the temperature you set for your home. A programmable thermostat can learn your patterns by keeping track of how you set the temperature throughout the day. When you're away at work, it can give your HVAC system a break. Do you like to sleep with the air a little cooler? Your programmable thermostat can do that for you automatically! With the freedom to set your programmable thermostat and forget it, you can sit back and relax while it saves you time and potentially even money.
Fall Maintenance Check
Help your heating system out by scheduling regular maintenance checks and inspections. A professional HVAC technician can usually find issues in your unit before they cause bigger problems or system failure. They will inspect the unit's overall condition, motor, electrical components, safety controls, and more. If anything is lagging or has minor damage that could cause issues down the road, your technician will recommend a repair or replacement so you don't end up stuck with a broken heater in the dead of winter.
Now is a great time to check-in on your HVAC, especially your heating system. No one wants to have a heating emergency in the dead of winter. Help prevent emergencies by scheduling regular maintenance on your HVAC system. This can help keep everything running efficiently and safely through the cold season. If you do experience an HVAC emergency, remember that you can always call our team at Royal Heating & Air!
Lake of the Ozarks HVAC
As the best heating and cooling company at the Lake of the Ozarks, Royal Heating & Air is here for you! We love being there for you to take care of your HVAC system year-round to provide you with a comfortable, safe home. Give us a call to schedule your fall maintenance, a whole home comfort check, a programmable thermostat installation, or any other HVAC service work you need to have a great fall season at the Lake of the Ozarks. We have your back!
Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"
