Your house is likely among your most valued investments. It supports you financially through increasing equity, and it’s a space to raise your family and create memories, too. When it’s cold, you could also be experiencing higher gas costs.
As a result, finding techniques to lower your heating bill in Hurricane without compromising comfort can seem difficult.
When it comes to energy efficiency, residences resemble cars. Some consume a lot of energy while others use it steadily. Regardless of what kind of residence you have, there are methods to block the discomfort this winter. The Experts are here with seven tips to help your family stay comfy without breaking the bank.
1. Replace Your Your Air Filter
It’s the most inexpensive solution that exists. It’s also the best method to keep your heating system operating smoothly during the winter.
The type of filter and seasonal elements contribute to how often you should replace it. Increased allergen counts, pets and house size might also influence its durability. Generally, low-priced filters should be changed monthly. Pleated styles made with denser material might make it three months or longer.
“It’s really the large thing people overlook,” 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 heat the house. An overloaded filter makes your heating system work harder.”
2. Schedule Regular HVAC Service
It’s common to have an Expert come to your home in the spring for AC service. That way, your air conditioner is prepped for the heat.
But don’t forget to schedule an appointment for furnace service before it snows too.
Among other procedures, an inspection typically involves:
- Double-checking thermostat settings
- Cleaning and greasing internal parts
- Examining system shutdown and startup processes
Regular service helps lessen the odds of facing 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 regular service.
3. Inspect Windows and Doors for Cracks
Windows and doors are a primary entry point for cold air. Sealing window and door frames is an economical method to help keep cold air where it belongs.
Here’s one check that Hughes suggests.
Latch a door. Is any light visible? If that’s what’s happening, it’s not fully sealed. Changes or weather-stripping may be necessary.
If your residence has single-pane windows, you might want to consider a dual-pane upgrade.
Some homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic sheeting.
It’s not a bad option, but dual-pane windows provide much better insulation for keeping cool air outside.
When you add double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or greater.
4. Limit Use of Vented Appliances
If you need the exhaust fan throughout cooking, Hughes suggests against leaving it running for too long.
The same goes for for the dryer. Don’t allow it to operate after your clothes are ready.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan forces out warm air out and adds cold air. Operating these appliances continuously will force your HVAC system to run more often to battle the avoidable cold.
5. Check Your Residence’s Edges for Leaks
Evaluate your residence’s perimeter. This is the boundary that shields your home from the weather. If you have a basement, be on the lookout for blowing cobwebs or cool air trickling in near the sides.
Polyurethane sealant and other things can be purchased to mend basement walls letting air into your residence. Another affordable move is to get foam seals for fixture bottoms, for example ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re simple to put in and are great at stopping cold air in the winter.
6. Evaluate Insulation Levels in Your Attic
It’s worth ensuring that you have adequate insulation levels
Hughes recommends looking at the ENERGY STAR® zone map to locate the appropriate R-value for your house’s walls and attic space. This value is based on the geographic spot where you live.
7. Think About Our Advantage Program™
Winter might be trying for homeowners with inefficient systems.
If your furnace is malfunctioning or requiring extensive repair, there’s a reasonable chance you’re not prepared to spend thousands on an updated system.
That’s why we have our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you bypass pricey repairs through a modest monthly fee.
We’ll also install a high-efficiency system in your residence. Plus our pro technicians will fix and tune it up for you without any extra out-of-pocket cost
Schedule an Appointment with Us Today
Make your Hurricane residence more energy efficient with pro help from Service Experts.
For more specifics about our Advantage Program or to request an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 304-760-5088 or contact us online today.