7 Suggestions to Lower Your Heating Bill in Hurricane Throughout the Winter

Your residence is probably one of your most valued investments. It supports you financially through increasing equity, and it’s a place to enjoy with your family and make moments you’ll remember, too. During the winter, you could also be experiencing higher energy expenses.

Consequently, finding techniques to lower your heating bill in Birmingham without giving up comfort can appear harder than it needs to be.

In regard to energy efficiency, homes are similar to vehicles. Some consume a lot of energy while others drink it steadily. Regardless of what type of residence you own, there are methods to end the chill this winter. The Experts are here with seven tips to keep you comfortable without going over budget.

1. Replace Your Your Air Filter

It’s the most cost-effective solution that exists. It’s also the best method to keep your heater running smoothly through the winter.

The model of filter and seasonal elements contribute to how regularly you should put in a new one. Increased allergen counts, pets and home size can also influence its life span. Typically, low-priced filters should be changed every month. Pleated ones made with thicker material could make it three months or longer.

“It’s really the big thing people 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 move through it and actually heat the home. An overloaded filter makes your heating system work harder.”

2. Schedule Regular HVAC Service

It’s standard to have a technician visit your residence 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 usually involves:

    • Double-checking thermostat settings
    • Cleaning and lubricating internal pieces
    • Inspecting system shutdown and startup procedures

A tune-up helps lower the possibility of handling an emergency repair in the middle of a blizzard. Some reports have found as many as 75% of “no heat” calls could have been avoided with regular service.

3. Inspect Windows and Doors for Holes

Windows and doors are a main entry point for cold air. Insulating window and door frames is an practical approach to help keep cold air outside.

Here’s one test that Hughes advises.

Latch a door. Is any light visible? If that’s the case, it’s not fully sealed. Modifications or weather-stripping might be necessary.

If you have single-pane windows, you should think over a dual-pane improvement.

A lot of homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic film.

It’s not a bad idea, but dual-pane windows provide much better insulation for keeping cold air where it belongs.

When you switch to double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or higher.

4. Regulate Use of Vented Appliances

If you require the exhaust fan throughout cooking, Hughes recommends against leaving it going for a long time.

The same goes for for the dryer. Don’t permit it to operate after your clothes are ready.

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 force your heater to use more energy to battle the avoidable cold.

5. Inspect Your House’s Edges for Holes

Inspect your house’s building envelope. This is the boundary that separates your residence from the elements. If your home has a basement, be on the lookout for fluttering cobwebs or cold coming in near the edges.

Polyurethane sealers and other options can be used to mend basement walls leaking air into your house. Another cost-effective idea is to get foam seals for fixture bases, such as ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.

They’re simple to use and are great at keeping the cold air out in the winter.

6. Evaluate Insulation Levels in Your Attic

It’s worth making sure that you have thick enough insulation levels

Hughes suggests visiting 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 spot where you live.

7. Consider Our Advantage Program™

Winter could be tough for homeowners with underperforming systems.

If your furnace is going out or requiring expensive fixes, there’s a decent chance you’re not able to spend thousands on a modern system.

That’s why we have our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you avoid expensive fixes through a small monthly fee.

We’ll also put in an energy-efficient system in your house. Plus our pro technicians will overhaul and tune it up for you without any extra out-of-pocket fee

Request an Appointment with Us Now

Make your Birmingham 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 205-267-0023 or contact us online right away.