Your residence is probably one of your most prized investments. It helps you financially through boosting equity, and it’s a space to watch your family grow and make moments you’ll remember, too. During the winter, you may also be experiencing higher heating bills.
As a result, finding ways to lower your heating bill in Windsor without giving up comfort can feel harder than it needs to be.
In regard to energy efficiency, residences are like motor vehicles. Some require a lot of energy while others sip it slowly. Regardless of what kind of home you own, there are ways to block the discomfort this winter. The Experts are here with seven suggestions to help your family stay comfortable without driving up your energy bill.
1. Replace Your Your Air Filter
It’s the most inexpensive suggestion out there. It’s also the best method to keep your furnace operating properly throughout the winter.
The kind of filter and seasonal elements contribute to how frequently you should replace it. Increased allergen counts, pets and residence size can also affect its life span. Generally, low-priced filters should be changed every month. Pleated ones made with thicker material might work for 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 loaded up the filter is, the less air is able to move through it and actually warm the house. A clogged filter makes your HVAC system work harder.”
2. Schedule Annual HVAC Service
It’s normal to have an Expert stop by your residence in the spring for AC service. That way, your air conditioner is prepared for the warm weather.
But don’t overlook scheduling an appointment for furnace service before it snows too.
Among other steps, an inspection commonly covers:
- Checking thermostat settings
- Cleaning and oiling internal parts
- Examining system shutdown and startup processes
A tune-up helps lessen the probability 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 prevented with normal maintenance.
3. Inspect Windows and Doors for Holes
Windows and doors are a leading entry point for chilly air. Caulking window and door frames is an inexpensive method to help keep frigid air outside.
Here’s one test that Hughes advises.
Shut a door. Do you notice any light? If that’s the case, it’s not entirely sealed. Adjustments or weather-stripping may be needed.
If your house has single-pane windows, you should think over a dual-pane improvement.
Many homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic sheeting.
It’s not a bad solution, but dual-pane windows provide superior insulation for keeping cold air outside.
When you switch to double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or higher.
4. Limit Use of Vented Appliances
If you use the exhaust fan while cooking, Hughes recommends against leaving it running for too long.
The same applies to for the dryer. Don’t allow it to run after your clothes are ready.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan expels warm air outside and pulls in cold air. Using these appliances continuously will require your HVAC system to use more energy to fight the avoidable chill.
5. Examine Your House’s Outer Edges for Cracks
Check your residence’s exterior. This is the area that separates your residence from the outside. If you have a basement, watch for fluttering cobwebs or chilly air coming in near the sides.
Polyurethane products and other options can be purchased to fix basement walls allowing air into your home. Another affordable move is to add foam seals for fixture bases, such as ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re fast to put in and are fantastic at keeping the cold air out in the winter.
6. Check Insulation Levels in Your Attic
It’s worth ensuring that you have appropriate insulation levels
Hughes recommends looking at the ENERGY STAR® zone map to find the appropriate R-value for your home’s walls and attic space. This suggestion is formulated on the geographic location where you live.
7. Think About Our Advantage Program™
Winter may be rough for homeowners with aging units.
If your furnace is going out or needing expensive service, there’s a reasonable chance you’re not able to spend thousands on a new system.
That’s why we provide our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you bypass costly repairs through a low monthly fee.
We’ll also put in a high-efficiency system in your home. Plus our professional specialists will overhaul and maintain it for you without any extra out-of-pocket cost
Book an Appointment with Us Now
Make your Windsor home more energy efficient with professional support from Service Experts.
For more information about our Advantage Program or to book an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 226-773-3357 or contact us online right away.