Your home is usually at the top of the list of your most cherished investments. It supports you financially through building equity, and it’s an area to watch your family grow and create memorable moments, too. When it’s cold, you might also be dealing with higher utility costs.
As a result, finding ways to lower your heating bill in the U.S. without compromising comfort can appear difficult.
In regard to energy efficiency, residences are like motor vehicles. Some consume a lot of energy while others sip it gradually. Regardless of what sort of house you live in, there are steps to stop the discomfort this winter. The Experts are here with seven tips to help your family stay comfortable without breaking the bank.
It’s the most inexpensive solution there is. It’s also the best approach to keep your heating system operating optimally during the winter.
The model of filter and seasonal determinants contribute to how frequently you should put in a new one. High allergen counts, pets and house size may also impact its durability. In most cases, inexpensive filters should be changed monthly. Pleated styles made with better material may last three months or longer.
“It’s really the major thing people 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 heat the house. A dirty filter makes your furnace work harder.”
It’s standard to have an Expert come to your residence in the spring for AC service. That way, your system is prepared for the warm weather.
But don’t neglect to schedule an appointment for furnace service before the winter too.
Among other steps, an inspection usually involves:
A tune-up helps lessen the chance of handling an emergency repair in the middle of winter. Some reports have indicated as many as 75% of “no heat” calls could have been stopped with standard service.
Windows and doors are a primary entry point for frigid air. Sealing window and door frames is an inexpensive approach to help keep cold air where it belongs.
Here’s one assessment that Hughes recommends.
Latch a door. Do you notice any light? If so, it’s not totally sealed. Modifications or weather-stripping may be required.
If your home has single-pane windows, you should think about a dual-pane option.
A lot of homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic film.
It’s not a bad idea, 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.
If you need the exhaust fan while cooking, Hughes suggests against leaving it running 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 warm air away from your home and increases cold air. Operating these appliances all the time will make your HVAC system to work harder to manage the unnecessary chill.
Inspect your house’s perimeter. This is the boundary that separates your residence from the outdoors. If there’s a basement, check for blowing cobwebs or cold flowing in near the corners.
Polyurethane products and other things can be bought to fix basement walls leaking air into your residence. Another economical move is to get foam seals for fixture bottoms, like ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re easy to install and are awesome at stopping cold air in the winter.
It’s worth making sure that you have thick enough insulation levels
Hughes suggests checking the ENERGY STAR® zone map to find the appropriate R-value for your home’s walls and attic space. This value is formulated on the geographic spot where your home is.
Winter may be rough for homeowners with old equipment.
If your furnace is malfunctioning or needing extensive fixes, there’s a reasonable chance you’re not ready to spend thousands on a new system.
That’s why we have our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you prevent expensive repairs through a low monthly fee.
We’ll also hook up an energy-saving system in your home. Plus our professional technicians will repair and tune it up for you without any added out-of-pocket cost
Make your the U.S. house more energy efficient with pro assistance from Service Experts.
For more information about our Advantage Program or to book an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 866-397-3787 or contact us online right away.
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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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