Your residence is usually at the top of the list of your most treasured investments. It assists you financially through increasing equity, and it’s a space to enjoy with your family and create memorable moments, too. During the winter, you could also face higher heating costs.
Consequently, finding approaches to lower your heating bill in Kingwood without lowering comfort can seem harder than it needs to be.
In regard to energy efficiency, residences resemble motor vehicles. Some guzzle energy while others sip it gradually. Regardless of what kind of residence you own, there are methods to block the cold this winter. The Experts are here with seven ideas to help you stay comfortable without driving up your energy bill.
1. Change Your Air Filter
It’s the most inexpensive recommendation that exists. It’s also the best approach to keep your furnace operating properly during the winter.
The type of filter and seasonal determinants contribute to how often you should put in a new one. Increased allergen counts, pets and home size can also affect its longevity. Generally, cheap filters should be swapped monthly. Pleated models made with higher-quality material could make it three months or longer.
“It’s really the major thing folks 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 add warmth to the residence. A dirty filter makes your HVAC system work harder.”
2. Schedule Routine HVAC Service
It’s normal to have an Expert stop by your house in the spring for AC service. That way, your system is prepared for the warm weather.
But don’t forget to schedule an appointment for furnace service before it snows too.
Among other steps, an inspection commonly covers:
- Examining thermostat settings
- Cleaning and greasing internal components
- Inspecting system shutdown and startup controls
Maintenance helps decrease 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 stopped with routine service.
3. Inspect Windows and Doors for Leaks
Windows and doors are a primary entry point for cold air. Caulking window and door frames is an cost effective approach to help keep chilly air out.
Here’s one check that Hughes suggests.
Close a door. Is any light visible? If so, it’s not totally sealed. Adjustments or weather-stripping could be necessary.
If you have single-pane windows, you should think about a dual-pane option.
A lot of homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic sheeting.
It’s not a bad idea, but dual-pane windows provide superior insulation for keeping cold air outside.
When you install double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or greater.
4. Regulate Use of Vented Appliances
If you need the exhaust fan throughout cooking, Hughes recommends against leaving it going for an extended period of time.
The same applies to for the dryer. Don’t permit it to run after your clothes are ready.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan expels heated air outside and increases cold air. Using these appliances all the time will require your HVAC system to use more energy to take care of the avoidable cold.
5. Examine Your Home’s Edges for Cracks
Inspect your home’s exterior. This is the boundary that separates your home from the weather. If you have a basement, be on the lookout for moving cobwebs or chilly air leaking in around the edges.
Polyurethane products and other solutions can be purchased to fix basement walls leaking air into your house. Another economical tip is to get foam seals for fixture undersides, like ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re quick to use and are awesome at blocking cold air in the winter.
6. Evaluate Insulation Levels in Your Attic
It’s worth confirming that you have thick enough insulation levels
Hughes suggests visiting the ENERGY STAR® zone map to determine the suitable R-value for your house’s walls and attic space. This recommendation is based on the geographic spot where you’re located.
7. Sign Up for Our Advantage Program™
Winter may be trying for homeowners with aging units.
If your furnace is failing or requiring costly repair, there’s a reasonable chance you’re not able to spend thousands on a modern system.
That’s why we offer 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 home. Plus our professional techs will overhaul and tune it up for you without any added out-of-pocket cost
Request an Appointment with Us Right Away
Make your Kingwood home more energy efficient with pro support from Service Experts.
For more information about our Advantage Program or to book an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 281-407-9478 or contact us online today.