Winter Seasonal Tips

Winter: The weather outside may be frightful, but you can stay warm and save energy!

Winter Maintenance

Have your furnace or boiler inspected, cleaned and tuned up once a year by a BETHKE professional. If you didn't get to this in the summer or fall, don't worry. Heating equipment can be tuned up any time of year, and winter is also a good time. In fact, we have many customers who prefer to wait until January or February.

A tune-up is a smart investment. Small problems can be caught before they turn into big ones. No one likes furnace or boiler problems in the middle of a Wisconsin winter! Plus, a clean, properly adjusted furnace or boiler runs at peak efficiency, saving you money on your utility bills.

Call 608-251-2222 to get on our tune-up schedule.

For furnaces, check your system's air filter monthly and change it if it is dirty. A dirty filter overworks your furnace, shortening its lifespan and causing it to use more energy.
For furnaces and boilers, make sure that the intake and exhaust pipes that vent out the side of your house are completely unobstructed. Keep snowdrifts away from the pipes and check them frequently during heavy snowfalls and blizzards. If these pipes are blocked, your heating equipment can shut down.
Customers often ask us whether they should cover their outside air conditioner condenser during fall and winter. Our recommendation: this equipment should not be covered. It is designed to be exposed to all sorts of weather. In our experience, covers can make your air conditioner an attractive winter shelter for mice, who may chew on wires. A piece of plywood placed on the top of the condenser is sufficient protection against falling icicles.
If you have a whole house humidifier, change the water panel annually. The beginning of the heating season is a great time to do this. You can purchase Aprilaire water panels directly from us.

Save Money and Energy

Set your thermostat to 68°F or lower. Lower your thermostat at night and when you are not home. For every 1°F you lower your thermostat, you can save 1% in heating costs over an eight hour time period. Do not lower your thermostat below 55°F. Temperatures lower than that put your water pipes at risk of freezing.
Keep registers and cold air returns clear of furniture and drapery.
Open window shades and curtains to allow sun in during the day. Close them at night to reduce heat loss.