Homeowners ready their homes for winter as frosty temps set to arrive in Twin Cities

Colder temperatures are about to be right at your doorstep, and that means so are service technicians like Braeden Testad with MSP Plumbing, Heating and Air.

“The first time it’s 30 degrees consistently for a few days, we get really slammed,” he said.

This time of year MSP Plumbing, Heating and Air averages about 40 furnace tune-ups per day.

Testad says homeowners should check their furnaces before they need them. He says the easiest, most obvious check is to turn your system on in the “Heat” mode setting and let it run for 15 minutes. Also, check the air filter on forced-air furnaces — using an old or dirty filter is the most common mistake homeowners make.

“You do maintenance on vehicles, like oil changes and tire rotations. You should do the same thing with heating equipment,” Testad said.

Finally, find the spots in your home where the most heat escapes. According to some energy experts, about 38% of the heat in your home escapes through cracks around the walls, windows and doors. Using caulk around the joints or weather stripping around the moving parts of windows and doors can be a quick fix.