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.

Replace Your Boiler Before Cold Weather Strikes

a Hometown Heating, Air & Electric employee explaining why you should replace your boiler to a client

As the leaves begin to change and temperatures drop, it’s time to think about your home’s heating system. If you have an older one, it may be time to replace your boiler before the cold arrives. Replacing it can save you from discomfort and high energy bills.

In this blog post, let’s explore why you should consider a boiler replacement before winter arrives.

Why Replace Your Boiler Now?

  1. Avoid Mid-Winter Breakdowns: Nothing’s worse than a failing boiler during a cold snap. By replacing your boiler now, you’ll avoid potential breakdowns when you need heat most.
  2. Improve Energy Efficiency: Newer boilers are more efficient. Replacing your old unit can lead to significant energy savings throughout the cold season.
  3. Ensure Consistent Comfort: A new boiler provides reliable, consistent heat. Don’t let an aging system leave you in the cold.
  4. Take Advantage of Off-Season Pricing: Many HVAC companies offer better deals before the winter rush. View our boiler page to find a special savings discount off any service call.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Boiler

  1. Age: If your boiler is over 15 years old, it’s time to consider a replacement.
  2. Frequent Repairs: Constant fixes can add up. A new boiler might be more cost-effective.
  3. Rising Energy Bills: An inefficient boiler works harder, increasing your utility costs.
  4. Uneven Heating: Cold spots in your home? Your boiler might be struggling.

Benefits of a New Boiler Installation

Modern boilers offer numerous advantages, including the following:

  • Higher efficiency ratings
  • Better temperature control
  • Quieter operation
  • Smaller footprint
  • Improved safety features

Types of Boilers We Service

At Hometown Heating, Air & Electric, we offer repair, installation, or maintenance services for multiple types of boilers, including the following:

  1. Gas Boilers: Efficient and widely used
  2. Oil Boilers: Great for areas without natural gas lines
  3. Electric Boilers: Safe and eco-friendly
  4. Coal Boilers: Less common but still used in some areas

Each type has its pros and cons. Our experts can help service whichever type of boiler you have in your home.

Don’t let the cold catch you off guard. Replace your boiler before winter hits to ensure a warm, comfortable home all season long. At Hometown Heating, Air & Electric, we’re here to ensure your boiler is working all winter long.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our boiler and HVAC system repair, installation, and maintenance services. Don’t wait until you’re left in the cold – act now for a cozy, efficient winter!

Your Essential Winter Home Maintenance Checklist: Prepare for Wisconsin’s Chill

A general checklist, representing a winter home maintenance checklist

As the leaves start to fall and the air gets crisp, it’s time for Wisconsin homeowners to tackle their winter home maintenance checklist. At Hometown Heating, Air & Electric, we know how crucial it is to prepare your home for the winter months ahead. 

Follow our comprehensive winter home maintenance checklist to ensure your home stays warm, safe, and energy-efficient all year long.

Items on Your Winter Home Maintenance Checklist

Check these five items off your maintenance checklist as you prepare for the upcoming season:

1. Schedule HVAC Maintenance

The cornerstone of your winter home maintenance checklist should be a thorough HVAC inspection. Our NATE-certified technicians can:

  • Clean and inspect your system for optimal performance
  • Identify and fix potential issues before they become costly repairs
  • Ensure your heating system runs efficiently, saving you money on energy bills

Don’t wait until the first snowfall – schedule your next furnace tune-up today!

2. Check and Clean Vents

Proper airflow is essential for an efficient heating system. As part of your winter home maintenance:

  • Vacuum vent covers to remove dust and debris
  • Keep all vents open and unobstructed
  • Ensure at least 2 inches of clearance around each vent

3. Replace Air Filters

Clean air filters are crucial for both air quality and system efficiency:

  • Check filters monthly during winter
  • Replace 1-inch filters every 90 days, or more frequently if needed
  • Consider upgrading to high-efficiency filters for better air quality

4. Inspect for Small Issues

Catching minor problems early can prevent major headaches later. Your winter home maintenance checklist should include watching for:

  • Unusual noises from your heating system
  • Inconsistent heating throughout your home
  • Longer than normal heating cycles

If you notice any of these signs, contact us for a professional inspection.

5. Prepare for Power Outages

Wisconsin winters often bring storms that can knock out power. Be prepared by:

  • Investing in a backup generator
  • Planning generator placement to avoid carbon monoxide risks
  • Stocking up on appropriate extension cords and connectors

When you require electrical services, we’re the team to trust. To learn more or to schedule a preventative electrical maintenance inspection, visit our Electric page on our website.

By following this winter home maintenance checklist, you’ll be well-prepared for whatever the Wisconsin winter throws your way. At Hometown Heating, Air & Electric, we’re committed to keeping your home comfortable and efficient all year round.

Contact us today to schedule your next furnace tune-up and face the cold months with confidence!