Your home is probably at the top of the list of your most cherished investments. It supports you financially through equity-building, and it’s a space to watch your family grow and develop memorable moments, too. During the winter, you could also be dealing with increased energy costs.
As a result, finding approaches to lower your heating bill in Albany without lowering comfort can feel difficult.
In regard to energy efficiency, homes are similar to motor vehicles. Some require a lot of energy while others sip it steadily. Regardless of what type of residence you own, there are ways to halt the chill this winter. The Experts are here with seven ideas to keep your family toasty without driving up your energy bill.
1. Replace Your Your Air Filter
It’s the most inexpensive solution there is. It’s also the best approach to keep your furnace running smoothly through the winter.
The type of filter and seasonal elements influence how frequently you should replace it. Soaring allergen counts, pets and house size can also impact its life span. Typically, inexpensive filters should be swapped monthly. Pleated styles made with higher-quality material might work for three months or longer.
“It’s really the big thing folks overlook,” said Jim Hughes, senior manager of education and training at Service Experts. “The more overloaded the filter is, the less air is able to move through it and actually warm the home. A clogged filter makes your furnace work harder.”
2. Schedule Routine HVAC Service
It’s standard to have a technician come by your residence in the spring for AC service. That way, your unit is prepared for the heat.
But don’t neglect to schedule an appointment for furnace service before it gets cold too.
Among other steps, an inspection commonly involves:
- Examining thermostat settings
- Cleaning and lubricating internal parts
- Examining system shutdown and startup procedures
Maintenance helps lower the chance of handling an emergency repair in the middle of a blizzard. Some reports have shown as many as 75% of “no heat” calls could have been prevented with routine service.
3. Examine Windows and Doors for Cracks
Windows and doors are a central entry point for chilly air. Caulking window and door frames is an inexpensive way to help keep chilly air where it belongs.
Here’s one check that Hughes advises.
Shut a door. Do you notice any light? If that’s what’s happening, it’s not totally sealed. Modifications or weather-stripping might be required.
If you have single-pane windows, you should think about a dual-pane upgrade.
Many homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic wrap.
It’s not a bad option, but dual-pane windows provide superior insulation for keeping cool air outside.
When you switch to double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or higher.
4. Restrict Use of Vented Appliances
If you need the exhaust fan throughout cooking, Hughes suggests against leaving it on for too long.
The same applies to for the dryer. Don’t let it to operate after your clothes are dry.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan pulls out heated air out and pulls in cold air. Using these appliances longer than needed will require your heater to use more energy to take care of the preventable coldness.
5. Inspect Your Residence’s Outer Edges for Leaks
Check your residence’s building envelope. This is the area that protects your house from the outdoors. If your home has a basement, watch for fluttering cobwebs or chilly air trickling in close by the corners.
Polyurethane products and other options can be purchased to plug basement walls letting air into your residence. Another cost-effective idea is to invest foam seals for fixture undersides, for example ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re fast to install and are great at stopping cold air in the winter.
6. Measure Insulation Levels in Your Attic
It’s worth confirming that you have appropriate insulation levels
Hughes recommends looking at the ENERGY STAR® zone map to locate the recommended R-value for your residence’s walls and attic space. This recommendation is based on the geographic location where your home is.
7. Sign Up for Our Advantage Program™
Winter may be trying for homeowners with inefficient systems.
If your furnace is not working right or needing extensive service, there’s a decent chance you’re not prepared to spend thousands on a new system.
That’s why we have our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you prevent costly fixes through a modest monthly fee.
We’ll also hook up an energy-saving system in your residence. Plus our pro specialists will overhaul and maintain it for you without any added out-of-pocket cost
Schedule an Appointment with Us Right Away
Make your Albany residence more energy efficient with pro support from Service Experts.
For more specifics about our Advantage Program or to request an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 518-417-2938 or contact us online right away.