Your house is usually at the top of the list of your most precious investments. It helps you financially through equity-building, and it’s an area to raise your family and develop memories, too. When it’s cold, you might also be experiencing growing gas bills.
Consequently, finding techniques to lower your heating bill in the U.S. without giving up comfort can seem harder than it needs to be.
In regard to energy efficiency, houses are similar to vehicles. Some require a lot of energy while others use it steadily. Regardless of what type of house you own, there are ways to block the chill this winter. The Experts are here with seven tips to keep you warm without breaking the bank.
It’s the most cost-effective suggestion there is. It’s also the best method to keep your heating system functioning properly during the winter.
The type of filter and seasonal determinants affect how frequently you should put in a new one. High allergen counts, pets and residence size can also impact its life span. Generally, fiberglass filters should be replaced every month. Pleated models made with higher-quality material might work for three months or longer.
“It’s really the major thing homeowners 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 be filtered through it and actually add warmth to the house. An overloaded filter makes your heating system work harder.”
It’s normal to have a tech 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:
Maintenance helps lessen the chance of facing an emergency repair in the middle of winter. Some reports have found as many as 75% of “no heat” calls could have been avoided with normal maintenance.
Windows and doors are a main entry point for chilly air. Sealing window and door frames is an inexpensive approach to help keep frigid air outside.
Here’s one check that Hughes suggests.
Latch a door. Do you notice any light? If that’s what’s happening, it’s not totally sealed. Modifications or weather-stripping may be required.
If your residence has single-pane windows, you may want to consider a dual-pane option.
Many homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic wrap.
It’s not a bad solution, but dual-pane windows provide superior insulation for keeping cold air out.
When you install double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or better.
If you use the exhaust fan during cooking, Hughes suggests against leaving it running for a long time.
The same holds true for the dryer. Don’t permit it to run after your clothes are ready.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan forces out warm air outside and adds cold air. Operating these appliances longer than needed will force your heater to use more energy to handle the avoidable chill.
Evaluate your house’s exterior. This is the barrier that separates your house from the outdoors. If your home has a basement, look for blowing cobwebs or chilly air leaking in close by the edges.
Polyurethane sealant and other options can be bought to fix basement walls allowing air into your residence. Another affordable idea is to get foam seals for fixture bottoms, for example ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re fast to use and are awesome at stopping cold air in the winter.
It’s worth ensuring that you have thick enough insulation levels
Hughes suggests checking 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 spot where you live.
Winter might be tough for homeowners with aging equipment.
If your furnace is not working right or in need of major service, there’s a fair chance you’re not set to spend thousands on an updated system.
That’s why we provide our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you bypass expensive service calls through a modest monthly fee.
We’ll also put in an energy-efficient system in your house. Plus our pro techs will overhaul and tune it up for you without any extra out-of-pocket expense
Make your the U.S. house more energy efficient with pro assistance 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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