iStock_000004011035Medium (1)__1412613411_72.77.202.119 optimizedTaking care of fall home maintenance will keep your home comfortable and energy bills low for the heating season ahead. Under most circumstances, it won’t cost a good deal in either time or money to help your home ward off heat loss, and make sure your heating system runs as efficiently as possible.

  • Insulation – Unless your home is fairly new, it may not have adequate insulation in the attic. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends from 16 to 20 inches, or R-values from 38 to 60 for our climate. Fiberglass batts and blown-in cellulose or loose fiberglass are affordable projects that many homeowners can add themselves.
  • Air leaks – If the seals around the window frames are leaky, air will enter and leave your home whenever the wind blows or your forced-air HVAC system runs. Caulk costs little and with a little practice, is easy to apply. Applying a bead to areas where you see cracks around the exterior window frames stops the air infiltration. You may also have leaks around the foundation or in the attic wherever utility pipes, wires or vents are present. If they’re large, use expanding foam. Gaps around exterior door frames may require fresh weatherstripping, and any gaps at the base of the door can be sealed with door sweeps or draft blockers.
  • System maintenance – Fall home maintenance will assure the dependability, heating efficiency and safety of your home’s heating system. An HVAC technician will clean and adjust all the parts, bringing it back to its original energy efficiency as closely as possible. The technician can also show you when and how to change the air filter, which is critical for top performance.
  • Detectors – Verify that the smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors work. Although both CO and fire are a year-round hazard, they’re especially so when your home is tightly closed and the heating system is running.

The pros at Gentry Heating, Inc. can help you with fall home maintenance of your home’s HVAC system. We’ve provided outstanding HVAC services for Asheville homeowners since 1963.

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