Your home is probably at the top of the list of your most cherished investments. It helps you financially through boosting equity, and it’s a space to enjoy with your family and make memorable moments, too. During the winter, you could also be dealing with growing heating bills.
As a result, finding tactics to lower your heating bill in the U.S. without giving up comfort can appear difficult.
As far as energy efficiency, residences resemble vehicles. Some consume a lot of energy while others use it slowly. Regardless of what kind of residence you own, there are steps to block the discomfort this winter. The Experts are here with seven tips to keep your family comfy without driving up your energy bill.
It’s the most economical recommendation that exists. It’s also the best approach to keep your heater operating smoothly throughout the winter.
The kind of filter and seasonal elements influence how regularly you should get a new one. High allergen counts, pets and residence size can also impact its durability. Generally, fiberglass filters should be replaced each month. Pleated models made with higher-quality material might make it three months or longer.
“It’s really the big thing people forget about,” said Jim Hughes, senior manager of education and training at Service Experts. “The more loaded up the filter is, the less air is able to move through it and actually warm the house. A dirty filter makes your furnace work harder.”
It’s standard to have a tech visit your residence in the spring for AC service. That way, your system is prepared for the warm weather.
But don’t overlook scheduling an appointment for furnace service before it gets cold too.
Among other actions, an inspection commonly includes:
Regular service helps lessen the odds of dealing with an emergency repair in the middle of a blizzard. Some reports have indicated as many as 75% of “no heat” calls could have been prevented with standard maintenance.
Windows and doors are a leading entry point for frigid air. Sealing window and door frames is an cost effective method to help keep frigid air out.
Here’s one assessment that Hughes suggests.
Shut a door. Is any light visible? If that’s what’s happening, it’s not fully sealed. Adjustments or weather-stripping might be required.
If your residence has single-pane windows, you may want to think about a dual-pane improvement.
Some homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic film.
It’s not a bad option, but dual-pane windows provide much better insulation for keeping cold air where it belongs.
When you switch to double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or better.
If you require the exhaust fan while cooking, Hughes advises against leaving it on for an extended period of time.
The same goes for for the dryer. Don’t allow it to operate after your clothes are done.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan pulls out warm air out and pulls in cold air. Running these appliances continuously will require your HVAC system to work harder to fight the unnecessary cold.
Check your house’s perimeter. This is the area that separates your residence from the outdoors. If there’s a basement, look for fluttering cobwebs or cold leaking in around the sides.
Polyurethane products and other solutions can be bought to mend basement walls leaking air into your home. Another inexpensive idea is to get foam seals for fixture bases, like ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re simple to put in and are fantastic at blocking cold air in the winter.
It’s worth ensuring that you have appropriate insulation levels
Hughes recommends looking at the ENERGY STAR® zone map to determine the recommended R-value for your residence’s walls and attic space. This suggestion is established on the geographic location where you live.
Winter may be trying for homeowners with underperforming units.
If your furnace is going out or requiring costly fixes, there’s a good chance you’re not set to spend thousands on an updated system.
That’s why we have our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you avoid pricey repairs through a modest monthly fee.
We’ll also install an energy-efficient system in your residence. Plus our Expert technicians will overhaul and maintain it for you without any extra out-of-pocket expense
Make your the U.S. home more energy efficient with expert support from Service Experts.
For more information about our Advantage Program or to schedule an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 866-397-3787 or contact us online today.
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There’s no reason to skip your seasonal maintenance that saves energy and helps ensure your air conditioner and heater will work reliably all season long.
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