The infernal summertime heat is beginning to give way to the cool days of early autumn, which means it's the perfect time to prepare your home for the onslaught of cold weather that is soon to arrive. As any homeowner knows, keeping a dwelling toasty in the late fall and winter months can place a substantial burden on one's pocketbook. But by heeding just a few key tips, you can render your home winter-ready while also ensuring that heating bills to come don't break the bank.

Before wintertime sets in and you're compelled to crank up the heat, contact an Olathe HVAC professional to request a heating system inspection and tune-up. Older and poorly maintained units gradually lose the ability to heat efficiently, which means you could experience increased losses of heat at a rate of up to 2 percent each year. Relatedly, the furnace filter on your heating unit should be cleaned or replaced as directed by the manufacturer, a task that you can perform yourself or request of the professional who performs your annual inspection. During colder months when your heater is used regularly, remain especially diligent about this task—a clean filter means less energy lost.

While few if any home are 100% airtight, a number of actions can be taken to minimize the amount of heat that escapes from your living area. Be sure your chimney flue remains closed when the heat is on, and likewise be conscious of open garage, attic, and basement doors that can allow cold air to rush into your home. You can also leave your curtains open during the daytime to allow warming sunlight in, and close them at night to prevent heat from escaping. Reverse your ceiling fans and set the speed to low to disperse warm air throughout your living space. And if your home is not insulated, or if your insulation is no longer effective, consider weather-stripping doors and windows to keep the heat in and the cold out.

Energy experts recommend maintaining an indoor temperature of 68 degrees when you are home, lowering the thermostat to 65 when you will be away for a short time, and reducing the temperature to 58 when you will be gone for more than 5 hours. But are you really likely to remember to change the temperature manually as you're running out the door on your way to work? This brings us to one final tip: Consider investing in a programmable thermostat, which can reduce your heating costs by up to 20 percent. By allowing the user to create a customized heating schedule, these units make it easy to conserve energy when the house is empty while still coming home to a warm, comfortable dwelling.

For those seeking HVAC services in Olathe, Kansas, you're in luck. Whether you require basic heating system maintenance and repair or want to know more about how a programmable thermostat can help you to reduce energy costs and fare the winter weather, Davenport Service Company has you covered.

Founded in 1980, Davenport Service Company has provided "Customer First" service in Johnson County, Kansas for over three decades. We provide 24/7 emergency service, preventive maintenance service, and seasonal tune-ups for commercial and residential heating and air conditioning systems. If you're looking for heating and furnace repair services in Olathe, call 913-441-2222 for hassle-free scheduling today!