Sometimes, in the middle of summer, it’s hard to imagine that winter can even exist in North Carolina. But surely as the sun will rise each morning, so too will the temperatures drop each winter.

North Carolina’s diverse landscape means that winter delivers completely different experiences for people throughout the state. And while folks in Asheville might suffer from colder temperatures than folks along the coast, it’s safe to say that everyone in the Tar Heel state could benefit from a little cold-weather preparation.

Tip 1: Condition Your Home for Colder Weather

When it starts getting cooler outside, most people react by cranking up their thermostats so they can stay nice and toasty.

Sure, we and our loved ones are thankful for this, but that can also be a costly decision.

One recommendation is to change the temperature in your home slowly and let your body adjust. So, for example, if you typically keep your thermostat at 73 during the day, and 66 at night during the winter, try lowering it by one degree each week for a month.

This method can save you an incredible amount of money and is a better alternative to just lowering the thermostat by 5 or 6 degrees immediately – your body has no time to adjust and you’ll likely be extremely uncomfortable.

Tip 2: Allow Your Home to Capture Natural Heat

Seal or wrap your windows to prevent cold air from seeping in (or hot air from seeping out). This will make it far easier for you to rely less on your heating unit to keep you warm.

Also, open the blinds and curtains in the morning to take advantage of natural heat from the sun.

Tip 3: Reverse Your Ceiling Fans

Most ceiling fans have a reverse switch. If yours does, use it to run the blades in a clockwise direction after you turn on your heat. The fan will produce an updraft and push heated air down into the room (since, you know, heat rises).

This is extremely effective for rooms with high ceilings.

Tip 4: Tune Up Your Heating System

Our team of field technicians can come inspect your furnace or heat pump to be sure that the system is clean and in good repair. By the time we’re done with our tune-up, you’ll know that your system is capable of reaching its full efficiency.

Not to mention, we’ll also measure carbon-monoxide leakage, which is always a concern in winter months.

Here’s a tip though: the sooner you schedule your tune-up, the better. if you wait too long, you increase the chances of having to wait for overtaxed technicians to schedule you in.

The Best Time to Prepare for Winter – Is Before Winter

No one wants to experience the bitter cold of a North Carolina winter in their home. a few of the tips above are designed to help you minimize your reliance on your heater or furnace system; however, in the end, your comfort relies on the functionality of your heating system.

Each year, get your heating system inspected and tuned up. Ideally, you’ll do this sometime in the fall. That way, your heating specialist can address any issues that might have come to life after the months of inactivity – and brutal N.C. heat – that your system has had to endure.

Here at Comfort First, not only do we offer an annual maintenance plan that automates your inspection and tune-up requirements, but when you sign up for your maintenance agreement, you’ll also get a 15% discount on all repairs.

Contact our team today to learn about how to prepare for each season before it’s too late.