Take a moment to think about what your home was like last winter. Was it drafty? Sometimes too hot and sometimes too cold? Do you remember feeling the cold seeping in through the windows? And what about ice dams on the roof?
If you experienced one or more of these problems inside your home last winter, you’re not alone — these winter woes are all too common here in Upstate New York. Luckily, there’s still time for you prepare your home before the cold weather hits! As the chilly winter winds inch ever closer, be sure to consider these comfort-enhancing and energy-saving upgrades for your home.
Heating System Upgrades
Heating Maintenance
If you haven’t yet scheduled maintenance for your furnace or boiler, schedule a tune-up now to get it running as smoothly and efficiently as possible all winter.
Oil Delivery
If your furnace or boiler runs on oil, now is also a good time to schedule early fuel oil delivery. That way, your system will be ready when you turn it on for the first time this fall.
Heating Replacement
If it’s time to replace your furnace or boiler, lock in that installation appointment before the late fall rush hits! HVAC unit replacement is also a good time to consider oil to gas conversion for your heating system, so you don’t have to deal with scheduling the aforementioned oil delivery every Fall.
Air Sealing & Insulation
Did you know your home likely has air leaks and missing insulation, wasting energy and letting valuable heat escape all winter? Air sealing eliminates leaks around windows, recessed lighting, the attic hatch, and in other hidden areas. This keeps all of that air you’re paying to heat right where you want it and helps you conserve more energy.
Meanwhile, new insulation in key areas like the attic and basement will prevent indoor heat from escaping through your ceilings, walls, and roof. With upgraded insulation, your heating system won’t have to work overtime to keep your home comfortable — and that means major savings on your utility bills!
Energy Assessment
Not sure where to start with your heating, air sealing, and insulation upgrades? An energy assessment, or energy audit, will give you the answers you’re looking for. During your assessment, a BPI-certified home expert will inspect and test your home to find inefficiencies like air leaks and insulation gaps. After the assessment, you’ll find out exactly which improvements your home needs for maximum energy savings.
Gas Fireplace Installation
If you’re like many of us, you know that winter isn’t complete without the glow of a burning fire in the fireplace. Even if you don’t have a chimney in your home, you can install a gas fireplace. Our gas fireplaces are vented directly through a wall or the roof, and you don’t have to worry about drafts or heat loss because of how they are vented.
