It might be summer now, but cold weather in Georgia is just around the corner. Winter weather and chilly temperatures can seriously impact home heating systems, which is why you should start preparing yours for coming cold now. These are the top five steps you can take to protect your heater from damage and ensure that your home stays nice and toasty, even when it’s freezing outside.

1. Seal Cracks and Holes in the Walls

Every ounce of warm air inside your home is precious. When you let that warmth escape via tiny cracks and holes, you’re forcing your home heating system to work overtime and wasting your hard-earned money. Before cold weather arrives, assess your home’s structure to make sure there are no places for warm air to flee.

2. Change Your Air Filters

When your heating system is struggling to push air through clogged, dirty filters, it’s working harder than it needs to. This can lead to high electric bills for you and eventually result in a system shutdown, which you certainly don't want to deal with when it’s frigid outside. Schedule a filter change or clean them once a month to ensure that your system can work efficiently.

3. Install a Programmable Thermostat

Because programmable thermostats can save you money on your electricity bill and maintain a steady, comfortable temperature inside, they’re a great tool to have during the freezing winter months. Whether you’re using home heating oil, gas, or electricity, the thermostat will reduce your waste.

4. Close Vents in Rooms That You Don’t Use

Does that spare bedroom really need to be heated on a daily basis? If not, shut the vent to avoid wasting hot air on a space no one uses. However, do make sure that your vents are open if they are near exposed pipes, or you run the risk of letting them freeze when cold temperatures hit.

5. Schedule an Inspection With an HVAC Company

This is by far the most beneficial step you can take for your home heating unit. HVAC technicians will be able to spot problems before they become serious and give your system the tune-up it needs to face winter.

Contact Duggan’s One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning

Need someone to inspect your heating unit in the Augusta area? Contact Duggan's One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning®. Our team of highly-trained technicians is ready to take care of your heating repair, maintenance, and installation requests. Learn more by calling (706) 914-1617 today for service in Augusta, Georgia, and the surrounding communities.