It’s almost time to start firing up the heating equipment again. Winter is on its way, which means there's some work to do if you want to prepare your home for the cold. Winterization is an essential annual process that saves you trouble and provides greater comfort, and Freedom, IN's Bates Mechanical, Inc. offers the very best in heating and cooling services to Bloomington and the surrounding area. To make the most out of your equipment this year, this HVAC service shares a few tips for effective winterization. 

Top 3 Tips for Home Winterization

1. Take Care of Furnace Maintenance Early

Before you get to the rest of the home, make sure your furnace can handle all the work it has ahead of it. If it's been a while since a professional inspected your unit, get that out of the way first to take care of any necessary furnace repairs. Otherwise, change the filter, clear the area around the furnace, and double-check your thermostat to determine if its heating mode is still functional and accurate. 

2. Inspect Key Interior Components

Those with chimneys should have them cleaned and fully inspected before throwing on the first log. This is also a great opportunity to check the weather stripping on all windows and doors, ensuring that no drafts compromise your heating system's efficiency. 

3. Prepare Outdoor Areas

Winter brings with it plenty of potentially hazardous conditions, so check a few exterior areas of your home to make sure they're prepared for any situation. This is especially important when it comes to dead, dying, or overgrown tree branches. Trim any that could damage the home or nearby power lines if broken, and see that existing limbs are strong enough to handle extra weight in the event of ice buildup. 

Once your home is fully winterized, round out the list with a few small but important steps. Test your carbon monoxide detectors first, then put together an emergency kit so you’re ready for the worst winter has to offer. For any additional assistance with heating services, contact Bates Mechanical, Inc. Visit them online to submit a service request, and call them at (812) 332-7000 to speak with a member of their expert team today.