Your house is usually among your most precious investments. It assists you financially through equity-building, and it’s an area to raise your family and develop memorable moments, too. This time of year, you might also face increased heating costs.
As a result, finding approaches to lower your heating bill in Grand Island without lowering comfort can feel harder than it needs to be.
When it comes to energy efficiency, houses resemble motor vehicles. Some require a lot of energy while others drink it steadily. Regardless of what sort of residence you own, there are steps to end the discomfort this winter. The Experts are here with seven tips to help your family stay toasty without going over budget.
1. Change Your Air Filter
It’s the most cost-effective recommendation there is. It’s also the best method to keep your heating system running properly throughout the winter.
The kind of filter and seasonal elements influence how often you should put in a new one. High allergen counts, pets and house size might also impact its life span. In most cases, inexpensive filters should be swapped each month. Pleated models made with higher-quality material might make it three months or longer.
“It’s really the large thing people ignore,” said Jim Hughes, senior manager of education and training at Service Experts. “The more overloaded the filter is, the less air is able to move through it and actually warm the house. A dirty filter makes your heating system work harder.”
2. Schedule Routine HVAC Service
It’s normal to have a technician stop by your home in the spring for AC service. That way, your system is ready for the warm weather.
But don’t forget to schedule an appointment for furnace service before the winter too.
Among other procedures, an inspection commonly includes:
- Double-checking thermostat settings
- Cleaning and lubricating internal parts
- Taking a look at system shutdown and startup processes
Maintenance helps lessen the possibility of dealing with an emergency repair in the middle of winter. Some reports have shown as many as 75% of “no heat” calls could have been stopped with standard maintenance.
3. Check Windows and Doors for Leaks
Windows and doors are a leading entry point for chilly air. Sealing window and door frames is an practical way to help keep cold air where it belongs.
Here’s one assessment that Hughes recommends.
Shut a door. Can you see any light? If that’s the case, it’s not fully sealed. Modifications or weather-stripping could be necessary.
If you have single-pane windows, you may want to consider a dual-pane option.
Many homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic sheeting.
It’s not a bad option, but dual-pane windows provide enhanced insulation for keeping cold air out.
When you switch to double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or better.
4. Regulate Use of Vented Appliances
If you use the exhaust fan throughout cooking, Hughes suggests against leaving it running for too long.
The same goes for for the dryer. Don’t permit it to work after your clothes are ready.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan expels warm air away from your home and increases cold air. Operating these appliances all the time will make your furnace to work harder to take care of the preventable coldness.
5. Look at Your House’s Edges for Cracks
Inspect your home’s perimeter. This is the area that shields your house from the outdoors. If your home has a basement, watch for moving cobwebs or cold trickling in around the corners.
Polyurethane sealers and other solutions can be purchased to plug basement walls leaking air into your home. Another cost-effective idea is to invest foam seals for fixture bottoms, such as ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re fast to use and are awesome at keeping the cold air out in the winter.
6. Check Insulation Levels in Your Attic
It’s worth confirming that you have appropriate insulation levels
Hughes recommends visiting the ENERGY STAR® zone map to locate the suitable R-value for your residence’s walls and attic space. This suggestion is based on the geographic area where you’re located.
7. Think About Our Advantage Program™
Winter could be rough for homeowners with failing systems.
If your furnace is not working right or requiring extensive service, there’s a reasonable 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 pricey repairs through a modest monthly fee.
We’ll also put in a high-efficiency system in your house. Plus our Expert specialists will repair and tune it up for you without any added out-of-pocket fee
Request an Appointment with Us Right Away
Make your Grand Island residence more energy efficient with pro help from Service Experts.
For more details about our Advantage Program or to book an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 308-210-4398 or contact us online now.