Winterize Your Home: A Homeowner’s Guide to Cold Weather Protection

a home covered in snow in Wisconsin, demonstrating the need to winterize your home

As temperatures drop and winter returns to Wisconsin this season, taking steps to winterize your home becomes crucial for protecting your property and family. At Hometown Heating, Air & Electric, we’ve seen how proper winter preparation can prevent costly repairs and ensure your comfort throughout the cold season.

In this blog post you’ll find a comprehensive guide to keeping your home warm and safe all winter long.

How To Stay Warm & Winterize Your Home This Season

Here are five easy steps to protect your home from the cold this season:

Start with Professional Furnace Maintenance

The foundation of efforts to winterize your home starts with your heating system. As Cedarburg’s top heating contractor, we recommend scheduling professional maintenance before winter hits full force. Our NATE-certified technicians thoroughly inspect your system, clean vital components, and identify potential issues before they become major problems. This simple step can save you from emergency repairs during the coldest days.

Smart Thermostat Strategies

Program your thermostat to lower temperatures when you’re sleeping or away from home. This not only reduces energy bills but also prevents unnecessary strain on your heating system. Consider upgrading to a smart thermostat that learns your schedule and adjusts automatically for optimal efficiency.

Optimize Your Home’s Airflow

Check all air vents throughout your home to ensure they’re open and unobstructed by furniture, rugs, or curtains. Clean or replace air filters monthly during heavy-use winter months. These steps are essential when you winterize your home as they help maintain proper airflow and reduce your furnace’s workload.

Safety First: Fire and Carbon Monoxide Prevention

Install carbon monoxide detectors on every floor and test them monthly alongside smoke alarms. Keep flammable materials away from heating equipment and ensure proper ventilation around your furnace. Schedule professional cleaning of your chimney if you have a fireplace.

Take Additional Home Protection Measures

Want to go the extra mile in protecting your home this winter season? Here are a few additional home protection measures you can take:

  • Insulate exposed pipes to prevent freezing
  • Seal windows and doors to eliminate drafts
  • Check attic insulation levels
  • Clear gutters to prevent ice dams
  • Reverse ceiling fans to push warm air downward

Remember, when you winterize your home, you’re not just ensuring comfort—you’re protecting your investment and ensuring your family’s safety during Wisconsin’s challenging winter months.

For professional assistance with your winter preparation, contact us today for a thorough inspection and maintenance service.

5 Signs You Need a Furnace Replacement

A Hometown Heating, Air & Electric technician performing a furnace replacement in a resident's home

When winter temperatures plummet in Wisconsin, the last thing you want to face is an unexpected furnace replacement. However, knowing when to schedule a replacement can help you avoid emergency situations during those frigid nights when temperatures drop into the teens and twenties.

In this blog post, let’s explore five signs that mean it’s time to replace your furnace.

Warning Signs That Point to Furnace Replacement

Your heating system may be showing several indicators that you should replace your furnace in the near future. Here are the key signs to watch for:

  1. Rising Energy Costs: If you notice your heating bills climbing despite similar usage patterns, your furnace may be losing efficiency. Replacing your furnace with a newer, high-efficiency model could lead to significant monthly savings.
  2. Frequent Repairs: When repair costs start adding up, investing in furnace replacement often makes more financial sense. Multiple service calls within a short period typically indicate your system is approaching the end of its lifespan.
  3. Age of Your System: Most furnaces last between 15-20 years with proper maintenance. If your unit is approaching or has exceeded this age range, it’s wise to consider replacement before a complete breakdown occurs.
  4. Uneven Heating: Are some rooms colder than others? A furnace struggling to distribute heat evenly throughout your home often indicates declining performance and the need for replacement.
  5. Strange Sounds or Smells: Don’t ignore serious warning signs, such as banging noises, unusual odors, or a discolored pilot light. These symptoms often point to significant internal issues that may warrant furnace replacement.

Benefits of Professional Furnace Replacement

At Hometown Heating, Air & Electric, we’ve helped countless homeowners upgrade their heating systems. Having a professional replace your furnace can offer several advantages, including the following:

  • Enhanced energy efficiency leading to lower utility bills
  • More consistent heating throughout your home
  • Quieter operation
  • Improved reliability and fewer repair needs
  • Better warranty coverage
  • Advanced features for optimal comfort

Trust Hometown Heating, Air & Electric, Your Local Heating Experts

As an EPA-certified and BBB-accredited company with an A+ rating, Hometown Heating, Air & Electric brings expertise and professionalism to every furnace installation, repair, and maintenance project. Our NATE-certified technicians are trained to install all major brands and models, ensuring you get the perfect system for your home’s needs.

Don’t wait until your furnace fails during the next cold snap. If you’re noticing any signs that indicate you need a furnace replacement, contact us today to schedule a consultation. We proudly serve southeastern Wisconsin with reliable, professional heating services backed by hundreds of 5-star Google reviews.

The Benefits of Replacing Your AC and Furnace Together

As the weather begins to transition from the chill of winter to the warmth of spring, now is the perfect time to consider upgrading your home’s HVAC system. At Hometown Heating, Air & Electric, we understand the importance of maintaining a comfortable indoor environment year-round. One of the most significant decisions homeowners face is whether replacing their AC and furnace separately or together is better.

In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of replacing your AC and furnace simultaneously and why it’s a smart investment for your home.

Replacing Your AC and Furnace at the Same Time

Maximize your efficiency and comfort and enjoy these benefits when you replace your AC and furnace together:

Workers of Hometown Heating, Air & Electric transporting a Lennox HVAC system because the homeowner wanted the benefits of replacing their AC and furnace simultaneously

Cost & Time Savings

Replacing your air conditioner and furnace together can lead to significant cost and time savings in the long run. While it may seem like a larger upfront investment, bundling the replacement allows you to take advantage of package deals and discounts. Additionally, opting for a dual replacement eliminates the need for multiple installation visits, reducing labor costs and minimizing disruptions.

Our team is dedicated to providing reliable installation services, ensuring your system is up and running in no time.

Enhanced Energy Efficiency

Newer HVAC systems are designed to be more energy-efficient, helping you reduce your carbon footprint and lower your monthly utility bills. By upgrading both your air conditioner and furnace simultaneously, you ensure both components work seamlessly together, maximizing energy efficiency and overall performance. Plus, modern systems often come with advanced features such as programmable thermostats and zoning options. These allow you to customize your indoor climate and further optimize energy usage.

Warranty Considerations

When you replace your air conditioner and furnace together, you simplify the warranty process. This helps you avoid potential issues down the road. As a Lennox dealer, Hometown Heating, Air & Electric works with Lennox, which offers warranties that cover parts for a specified period. By installing both systems simultaneously, you ensure parts for both are protected under the same warranty terms. To learn more about what’s covered under warranty, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Increased Home Value

Investing in a new air conditioner and furnace can enhance the value of your home and make it more attractive to potential buyers. Energy-efficient HVAC systems are a desirable feature for homebuyers, and having newer equipment in place can set your home apart. Plus, a well-maintained and upgraded HVAC system demonstrates that you’ve taken proactive steps to maintain your home, instilling confidence in potential buyers.

Replacing your air conditioner and furnace together offers numerous benefits, from cost and time savings to increased home value. If you’re considering upgrading your HVAC system, now is the ideal time to take action.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about the advantages of replacing your AC and furnace simultaneously.