SOUTH BEND, Ind.-- Michiana is finally settling into cooler, more fall-like weather—and with that comes the potential for frosty nights and chilly mornings. Thirty-degree lows are trending slightly later than the average date, which fall around October 2nd.
Nonetheless, just a few hours of overnight cold can bring a noticeable chill into your home. It's a small preview of what's to come in the months ahead. Before you crank up the heat, it’s a good idea to have your heating system inspected. JD, the owner of JD Plumbing and Heating in Elkhart, suggests several efficient and cost-effective ways to get your home ready for winter.
Scheduling a maintenance check now can help you avoid bigger problems later. JD says many of the emergency calls his team receives involve no heat or frozen and burst pipes—issues that can be stressful and costly, especially when they happen without warning.
Fortunately, there are budget-friendly steps you can take to stay warm without breaking the bank.
JD recommends installing a smart thermostat and says that “reducing your [it] down seven to 10 degrees” while you’re asleep or away from home can help lower heating costs. Even if you don’t have a smart thermostat, simply turning the temperature down during those times can still make a difference.
He also suggests checking your home for drafts. Sealing cracks or gaps around windows and doors can help keep warm air in—and cold air out.
JD offers one final piece of advice when it comes to winter prep: “Get it fixed before it actually becomes an emergency.”