Your residence is likely among your most prized investments. It assists you financially through increasing equity, and it’s a place to raise your family and create memories, too. During the winter, you might also be dealing with growing gas bills.
As a consequence, finding ways to lower your heating bill in Wheeling without compromising comfort can feel harder than it needs to be.
When it comes to energy efficiency, houses are similar to motor vehicles. Some guzzle energy while others use it gradually. Regardless of what sort of house you have, there are methods to end the discomfort this winter. The Experts are here with seven tips to keep your family comfortable without going over budget.
1. Get a New Your Air Filter
It’s the most cost-effective suggestion that exists. It’s also the best approach to keep your heater operating smoothly during the winter.
The kind of filter and seasonal elements influence how often you should replace it. Soaring allergen counts, pets and home size may also affect its life span. In most cases, low-priced filters should be changed every month. Pleated styles made with higher-quality material could make it three months or longer.
“It’s really the large thing people forget about,” 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 be filtered through it and actually add warmth to the home. A clogged filter makes your furnace work harder.”
2. Schedule Routine HVAC Service
It’s standard to have a tech visit your home in the spring for AC service. That way, your system is prepped for the heat.
But don’t overlook scheduling an appointment for furnace service before it snows too.
Among other steps, an inspection typically covers:
- Double-checking thermostat settings
- Cleaning and oiling internal pieces
- Examining system shutdown and startup processes
Regular service helps lessen the odds of facing an emergency repair in the middle of a cold snap. Some reports have shown as many as 75% of “no heat” calls could have been avoided with standard service.
3. Examine Windows and Doors for Leaks
Windows and doors are a main entry point for chilly air. Insulating window and door frames is an economical approach to help keep cold air where it belongs.
Here’s one assessment that Hughes suggests.
Close a door. Can you see any light? If that’s what’s happening, it’s not totally sealed. Changes or weather-stripping could be necessary.
If your home has single-pane windows, you may want to think about a dual-pane option.
Many homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic wrap.
It’s not a bad option, but dual-pane windows provide superior insulation for keeping cool air outside.
When you add double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or higher.
4. Regulate Use of Vented Appliances
If you use the exhaust fan during cooking, Hughes advises against leaving it running for a long time.
The same goes for for the dryer. Don’t let it to run after your clothes are ready.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan forces out hot air away from your home and increases cold air. Operating these appliances longer than needed will require your HVAC system to run more often to battle the unnecessary chill.
5. Inspect Your House’s Outer Edges for Cracks
Evaluate your residence’s building envelope. This is the boundary that separates your residence from the outdoors. If you have a basement, look for moving cobwebs or cool air leaking in around the edges.
Polyurethane products and other options can be used to fix basement walls leaking air into your residence. Another cost-effective tip is to add foam seals for fixture bottoms, like ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re easy to use and are great at keeping the cold air out in the winter.
6. Check Insulation Levels in Your Attic
It’s worth confirming that you have thick enough insulation levels
Hughes advises checking the ENERGY STAR® zone map to find the suitable R-value for your residence’s walls and attic space. This value is established on the geographic location where you live.
7. Consider Our Advantage Program™
Winter may be rough for homeowners with inefficient systems.
If your furnace is malfunctioning or in need of expensive repair, there’s a reasonable chance you’re not prepared to spend thousands on a modern system.
That’s why we provide our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you bypass costly fixes through a small monthly fee.
We’ll also put in an energy-saving system in your residence. Plus our professional specialists will overhaul and maintain it for you without any extra out-of-pocket cost
Schedule an Appointment with Us Today
Make your Wheeling home more energy efficient with professional help from Service Experts.
For more information about our Advantage Program or to request an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 847-250-6729 or contact us online today.