Winter is just around the corner and Jacksonville is already starting to feel its effects. However, the cold temperatures of early fall won’t compare to the freezing temperatures that winter and the new year will bring about. Before the mercury really starts to drop, residents will need to be sure they are prepared by looking into Jacksonville’s winter forecast.
Jacksonville’s extended weather forecast powered by today’s advanced weather technology, provides residents with an accurate representation of what’s to come so they can prepare their homes for the cold.
December Forecast
The month of December is typically always cooler than November and this year according to the Farmers Almanac, Jacksonville’s weather will be even colder this December than previous years. However, along with the slightly cooler weather is also going to come a considerable more amount of rain. The Jacksonville forecast for rain in December 2014 shows that there will be an increase in precipitation since it’s the beginning of an El Niño season.
January Forecast
In the month of January, the forecast shows much lower temperatures than normal and a lot more precipitation than Jacksonville residents are used to. By January 1st – and really by the holidays in December – the precipitation will be quite heavy and temperatures will be quite cold. In fact, most people in Jacksonville will find themselves adding another layer to their winter attire when they step out in the morning and evening, as well as during the warmest parts of the day for that matter.
Most likely, you will be running your heater often from now until January 2015. Proper planning and preparation will ensure that your home’s HVAC system is capable of keeping your warm this winter. Remember, the cold can actually be dangerous for the young and elderly, especially if your heating system goes out.
Get Your HVAC System Inspected
Now is the perfect time to get your heating system inspected by an HVAC professional. There are numerous benefits of having an professional inspection now instead of waiting for the next big freeze!
The first and perhaps most important part of getting your HVAC system inspected before it actually turns cool is protecting yourself and your family from the cold temperatures. After all, being cold in your own home can lead to illness – even if it’s just pesky things like a common cold.
Another major benefit of having your HVAC system inspected is that you can help to prevent costly repairs. When you don’t turn your heating system on for months and months – assuming that you didn’t this spring or summer – little things can start to go wrong. If you run your HVAC system with minor problems, those small problems can turn into very big ones over the course of an entire winter season, running the heat each and every day.
By scheduling an inspection before the beginning of Jacksonville’s winter season, you’ll have a much more reliable heating system, free of efficiency problems. This means lower heating bills and that could save you hundreds of dollars. Regular maintenance provides the best value for your wallet and the overall health and efficiency of your system.
Schedule Regular HVAC Tune-Ups
Regular HVAC tune-ups keep your system working efficiently and help prevent small problems from turning into major issues that cost a fortune to repair. These tune-ups are also good for the little things that homeowners tend to forget, like changing your filter. Schedule your HVAC tune-ups at least twice per year and have your service provider remind you when it’s time.
What Else Can I Do?
Having regular HVAC inspections, at least twice a year, will keep your system working its best and help your family to stay comfortable throughout the freezing temperatures headed our way. However, there are some other simple things you can do in your home to make sure you’re warm and your heating bills aren’t too high.
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Check your insulation in the attic. A well-insulated attic should have at least six inches of insulation above the eaves. If you can see exposed joists, chances are you need more insulation to keep your home warm throughout the season.
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Replace old windows with lo-E windows. These insulated windows will help keep warm air in during the winter and cool air in during the summer.
If you want to be equipped for the cold weather and comfortable in your home this winter, now is the time to prepare. Have your heating system inspected by a service professional and any necessary repairs taken care of, otherwise, you could be left out in the cold or in need of an expensive emergency service that truly was avoidable.
