Your home is probably among your most cherished investments. It supports you financially through improving equity, and it’s a space to enjoy with your family and make memorable moments, too. During the winter, you could also face higher energy costs.
As a result, finding approaches to lower your heating bill in the U.S. without lowering comfort can seem harder than it needs to be.
When it comes to energy efficiency, homes are similar to vehicles. Some consume a lot of energy while others drink it gradually. Regardless of what sort of house you own, there are ways to block the chill this winter. The Experts are here with seven tips to keep your family toasty without breaking the bank.
It’s the most economical suggestion there is. It’s also the best way to keep your furnace running optimally throughout the winter.
The type of filter and seasonal elements affect how frequently you should put in a new one. Increased allergen counts, pets and home size may also impact its life span. Generally, cheap filters should be replaced every month. Pleated models made with denser material might work for three months or longer.
“It’s really the major thing homeowners ignore,” said Jim Hughes, senior manager of education and training at Service Experts. “The more full 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.”
It’s standard to have a tech stop by your residence in the spring for AC service. That way, your air conditioner is prepped for the summer.
But don’t neglect to schedule an appointment for furnace service before it snows too.
Among other actions, an inspection typically involves:
Maintenance helps lessen the probability of handling an emergency repair in the middle of a cold snap. Some reports have found as many as 75% of “no heat” calls could have been stopped with routine tune-ups.
Windows and doors are a main entry point for chilly air. Insulating window and door frames is an inexpensive approach to help keep frigid air where it belongs.
Here’s one test that Hughes suggests.
Shut a door. Is any light visible? If so, it’s not entirely sealed. Adjustments or weather-stripping might be necessary.
If your residence has single-pane windows, you may want to consider a dual-pane improvement.
Some homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic sheeting.
It’s not a bad idea, but dual-pane windows provide enhanced insulation for keeping cool air where it belongs.
When you switch to double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or higher.
If you require the exhaust fan during cooking, Hughes recommends against leaving it on for an extended period of time.
The same holds true for the dryer. Don’t allow it to operate after your clothes are dry.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan forces out heated air outside and increases cold air. Operating these appliances longer than needed will make your heater to run more often to fight the avoidable chill.
Check your home’s exterior. This is the area that shields your home from the elements. If there’s a basement, be on the lookout for fluttering cobwebs or chilly air coming in near the sides.
Polyurethane sealers and other things can be used to mend basement walls allowing air into your home. Another economical move is to invest foam seals for fixture undersides, such as ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re easy to put in and are great at blocking cold air in the winter.
It’s worth ensuring that you have appropriate insulation levels
Hughes suggests looking at the ENERGY STAR® zone map to locate the appropriate R-value for your house’s walls and attic space. This suggestion is formulated on the geographic area where you’re located.
Winter could be trying for homeowners with underperforming equipment.
If your furnace is not working right or needing expensive service, there’s a good chance you’re not ready to spend thousands on a modern system.
That’s why we offer our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you prevent costly fixes through a low monthly fee.
We’ll also install an energy-efficient system in your house. Plus our Expert techs will repair and service it for you without any added out-of-pocket expense
Make your the U.S. house more energy efficient with professional support from Service Experts.
For more information about our Advantage Program or to request an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 866-397-3787 or contact us online now.
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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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