Atlanta isn’t typically known for cold weather, let alone freezing temperatures. However, we’re no strangers to chilly days and frosty nights.

We frequently experience below-freezing temperatures during the winter, so having a dependable heating system in your home becomes not just a matter of comfort but a necessity.

Let United Air Temp help with your heating service needs so you’re ready for the winter ahead.

Why Are Southern Winters So Unpredictable?

A weather pattern known as the Southern Oscillation makes the difference in climate irregularities worldwide. For the United States, it has the greatest impact in the winter.

In the Southeast, La Nina means warmer and drier winter conditions than normal, while El Nino means a wetter, colder winter with more snow conditions. These events typically occur every two to seven years, which is part of why winter weather can seem difficult to predict.

2023 is projected to be one of the harshest winters in almost a decade, with two to three snowfall events and a late spring.

What’s the Best Winter Thermostat Setting?

A programmable thermostat allows you to schedule different temperature settings throughout the day to optimize comfort and energy efficiency.

Whether you use a smart thermostat or manually adjust the temperature, we recommend the following settings to help you save on your energy bills while staying warm:

• When you’re home during the day: 68 degrees Fahrenheit
• When you’re sleeping at night: 65 degrees Fahrenheit
• When you’re away: 60 degrees Fahrenheit

If you’re leaving for an extended period, do not turn off your thermostat. You may come home to frozen or burst plumbing pipes, which isn’t worth the risk of greater utility savings.

How To Prepare Your HVAC System for the Cold

As the prospect of harsh weather draws near, is your HVAC unit prepared to handle the cold days to come? The reliability and efficiency of your heating system are vital as we head into the winter.

You can make sure your system runs smoothly by completing the following tasks:

Change Your Air Filter

Forgetting to change your HVAC’s air filter means it will be clogged by dust and debris, preventing proper air distribution and filtration.

This could lead to a variety of issues, including system inefficiency, higher energy bills, poor air quality, and overheating, which could lead to a breakdown.

You should change a standard filter every one to three months.

Schedule a Heating Tune-Up

Annual heating maintenance prevents costly HVAC issues and keeps your system running at optimal performance.

You should schedule heating tune-ups in the fall to ensure your furnace or heat pump is ready for the winter ahead.

Your HVAC technician can clean, inspect, and repair components so your system will perform reliably.

Turn on Your Whole-Home Humidifier

Winter air is drier, so you may notice dry skin, nosebleeds, and sore throats.

Whole-house humidifiers moisten the air that’s moved through the ductwork to heat your home so you can have relief.

Reverse Your Ceiling Fans

Contrary to what you might think, you can use a ceiling fan all year long. In the winter, reversing the motor and having the fan operate at a low speed in a clockwise direction produces a gentle updraft.

This forces warm air near the ceiling and down so you can feel warmer without raising the thermostat.

Do Heat Pumps Work in Below-Freezing Temperatures?

Heat pumps work year-round, but they aren’t as energy-efficient in extreme cold as they are in milder winter weather.

They’re typically sufficient for keeping Atlanta homes comfortable, but if you want the option of stronger gas-powered heat, consider a dual-fuel heating system.

Your HVAC technician can install a gas furnace that you can use in below-freezing temperatures. That way, you get efficient electric heat most of the winter and gas heating when you need it.

Schedule a Heating Tune-Up in Atlanta

You and your family deserve a warm and cozy home. United Air Temp serves Atlanta residents by providing reliable heating services for furnaces and heat pumps alike.

We pride ourselves on employing highly trained technicians who always get the job done right. We always provide transparent pricing and communication with our customers to ensure you get the best care possible.

You can even sign up for the Full Service Agreement, our HVAC maintenance plan, so you never forget about routine tune-ups, and you get exclusive benefits like:

• Priority service
• No trip charges
• Credit toward the purchase of a new system
• And more

Call UAT at (404) 467-2148 today to request a heating tune-up for your Atlanta, GA, home!