Airtron Provides Tips for Homeowners for Protect from Cold-Home Syndrome

Simple steps can help homeowners stay warm and save money and energy

The first day of autumn has come and gone, bringing with it colder days and crisp nights. Airtron Heating & Air Conditioning suggests Indianapolis homeowners take a few hours to prepare their homes for the upcoming winter before the snow begins to fall.

Homeowners across Indianapolis are performing the various autumn rituals including winterizing the windows, firing up the furnace and otherwise preparing their homes for the changing seasons. Airtron advises homeowners to beat the cold weather by testing their furnaces now to avoid a last-minute rush if they need to be serviced. A furnace shut-down means only one thing - cold-home syndrome.

"People often get caught off-guard when the cold weather comes," said Dave Walton of Airtron Heating & Air Conditioning. "After having the furnace off for the summer, it's important to turn it on and make sure it is working properly before you need it. Leave yourself time to have proper maintenance done so you and your family don't end up sitting in a cold house."

Dave also reminds Indianapolis homeowners that home energy efficiency is easy to incorporate into fall rituals. Here are Dave's top four tips for homeowners:

1. Proper furnace maintenance: Take the time to ensure your furnace is working properly before the cold weather hits by scheduling a maintenance appointment. Clean or replace your furnace's filter every two to three months and save as much as 10 percent on your heating bill.
2. Out with the old, in with the new: Consider upgrading your old furnace to a new energy-efficient unit. Not only will you be saving money on your heating bills, you will also be helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Older furnaces operate at 60 percent efficiency, so 40 cents of each dollar spent goes up the chimney. A new high-efficiency furnace operates at over 90 percent.
3. Get protected from unexpected equipment breakdowns: Furnaces commonly break on cold winter nights. During this period of economic uncertainty, avoid unexpected repair bills on your furnace by enrolling in Airtron's Essential HomeCare plan which covers breakdowns, service, parts and labor on a home's furnace and air conditioner.
4. Get with a program: Install a programmable thermostat that will automatically adjust the home's temperature settings. Programming the thermostat a degree or two lower when no one is home can help save up to 10 percent on annual heating bills.

Source: http://www.airtronindy.com/