Your home is usually at the top of the list of your most valued investments. It assists you financially through improving equity, and it’s an area to enjoy with your family and make memorable moments, too. During the winter, you might also face rising utility bills.
As a result, finding approaches to lower your heating bill in Gaithersburg without compromising comfort can seem difficult.
When it comes to energy efficiency, houses resemble vehicles. Some guzzle energy while others drink it gradually. Regardless of what type of home you have, there are ways to block the cold this winter. The Experts are here with seven suggestions to help you stay comfortable without driving up your energy bill.
1. Change Your Air Filter
It’s the most economical suggestion there is. It’s also the best method to keep your heater operating optimally through the winter.
The model of filter and seasonal determinants affect how frequently you should put in a new one. Increased allergen counts, pets and residence size can also affect its life span. Typically, low-priced filters should be changed monthly. Pleated ones made with better material may make it three months or longer.
“It’s really the big thing folks ignore,” 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 be filtered through it and actually add warmth to the house. A clogged filter makes your furnace work harder.”
2. Schedule Regular HVAC Service
It’s normal to have a tech stop by your residence in the spring for AC service. That way, your system is prepped for the warm weather.
But don’t forget to schedule an appointment for furnace service before the winter too.
Among other actions, an inspection usually includes:
- Examining thermostat settings
- Cleaning and oiling internal parts
- Inspecting system shutdown and startup controls
Maintenance helps decrease the likelihood 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 avoided with standard tune-ups.
3. Inspect Windows and Doors for Holes
Windows and doors are a primary entry point for chilly air. Caulking window and door frames is an inexpensive approach to help keep chilly air out.
Here’s one assessment that Hughes recommends.
Latch a door. Can you see any light? If that’s the case, it’s not totally sealed. Changes or weather-stripping may be necessary.
If your residence has single-pane windows, you might want to think over a dual-pane improvement.
Many homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic wrap.
It’s not a bad idea, but dual-pane windows provide enhanced insulation for keeping cold air where it belongs.
When you add double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or greater.
4. Restrict Use of Vented Appliances
If you need the exhaust fan throughout cooking, Hughes suggests against leaving it going 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 warm air out and adds cold air. Operating these appliances longer than needed will require your furnace to use more energy to handle the preventable coldness.
5. Examine Your House’s Perimeter for Holes
Check your residence’s building envelope. This is the barrier that shields your home from the weather. If your home has a basement, watch for fluttering cobwebs or cold coming in near the corners.
Polyurethane sealant and other options can be bought to plug basement walls leaking air into your home. Another cost-effective idea is to add foam seals for fixture undersides, for example ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re easy to put in and are awesome at blocking cold air in the winter.
6. Evaluate Insulation Levels in Your Attic
It’s worth confirming that you have thick enough insulation levels
Hughes advises checking the ENERGY STAR® zone map to determine the appropriate R-value for your residence’s walls and attic space. This value is based on the geographic location where you live.
7. Sign Up for Our Advantage Program™
Winter could be trying for homeowners with failing units.
If your furnace is malfunctioning or in need of extensive repair, there’s a fair chance you’re not prepared to spend thousands on a modern system.
That’s why we provide our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you bypass pricey repairs through a small monthly fee.
We’ll also install a high-efficiency system in your home. Plus our pro techs will fix and maintain it for you without any added out-of-pocket expense
Book an Appointment with Us Right Away
Make your Gaithersburg house more energy efficient with expert assistance from Service Experts.
For more details about our Advantage Program or to request an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 301-476-4577 or contact us online today.