Your home is usually at the top of the list of your most precious investments. It assists you financially through improving equity, and it’s a place to watch your family grow and create memories, too. During the winter, you might also be experiencing rising gas bills.
Consequently, finding ways to lower your heating bill in Saint Charles without compromising comfort can appear harder than it needs to be.
When it comes to energy efficiency, residences are like motor vehicles. Some guzzle energy while others use it steadily. Regardless of what type of residence you live in, there are methods to block the cold this winter. The Experts are here with seven tips to help your family stay toasty without breaking the bank.
1. Get a New Your Air Filter
It’s the most inexpensive recommendation that exists. It’s also the best way to keep your heating system operating properly through the winter.
The type of filter and seasonal factors influence how often you should replace it. High allergen counts, pets and residence size may also impact its life span. Typically, low-priced filters should be changed monthly. Pleated styles made with higher-quality material might last three months or longer.
“It’s really the large thing homeowners 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 be filtered through it and actually heat the residence. A dirty filter makes your heating system work harder.”
2. Schedule Routine HVAC Service
It’s common to have a tech visit your residence in the spring for AC service. That way, your system is prepared for the heat.
But don’t overlook scheduling an appointment for furnace service before it gets cold too.
Among other procedures, an inspection commonly involves:
- Checking thermostat settings
- Cleaning and greasing internal parts
- Examining system shutdown and startup procedures
A tune-up helps lower 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 prevented with normal tune-ups.
3. Inspect Windows and Doors for Leaks
Windows and doors are a central entry point for cold air. Sealing window and door frames is an economical method to help keep chilly air where it belongs.
Here’s one test that Hughes advises.
Shut a door. Do you notice any light? If that’s the case, it’s not totally sealed. Adjustments or weather-stripping may be needed.
If you have single-pane windows, you might want to think over a dual-pane upgrade.
Many homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic wrap.
It’s not a bad move, but dual-pane windows provide much better insulation for keeping chilled air outside.
When you add double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or higher.
4. Regulate Use of Vented Appliances
If you require the exhaust fan during cooking, Hughes advises against leaving it going for too long.
The same holds true for the dryer. Don’t allow it to run after your clothes are ready.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan pulls out hot air out and increases cold air. Running these appliances continuously will require your furnace to run more often to handle the avoidable chill.
5. Examine Your Home’s Outer Edges for Leaks
Evaluate your residence’s building envelope. This is the boundary that shields your house from the outside. If you have a basement, check for blowing cobwebs or cold trickling in around the corners.
Polyurethane sealant and other solutions can be purchased to mend basement walls allowing air into your residence. Another inexpensive tip is to get foam seals for fixture bottoms, such as ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re easy to use and are awesome at blocking cold air in the winter.
6. Measure Insulation Levels in Your Attic
It’s worth ensuring that you have appropriate insulation levels
Hughes suggests visiting the ENERGY STAR® zone map to locate the recommended 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 rough for homeowners with aging units.
If your furnace is not working right or in need of major repair, 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 avoid costly repairs through a low monthly fee.
We’ll also hook up an energy-efficient system in your house. Plus our Expert technicians will repair and maintain it for you without any extra out-of-pocket cost
Schedule an Appointment with Us Right Away
Make your Saint Charles house more energy efficient with pro support from Service Experts.
For more information about our Advantage Program or to schedule an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 630-246-2698 or contact us online now.