7 Ideas to Lower Your Heating Bill in Wheeling Throughout the Winter

Your house is probably one of your most treasured investments. It helps you financially through boosting equity, and it’s a space to raise your family and create memorable moments, too. This time of year, you may also be experiencing higher heating expenses.

Consequently, finding methods to lower your heating bill in the U.S. without giving up comfort can appear difficult.

In regard to energy efficiency, homes are like motor vehicles. Some consume a lot of energy while others drink it gradually. Regardless of what sort of home you have, there are methods to end the chill this winter. The Experts are here with seven suggestions to help your family stay toasty without breaking the bank.

1. Change Your Air Filter

It’s the most economical solution there is. It’s also the best method to keep your furnace operating properly during the winter.

The type of filter and seasonal determinants influence how regularly you should replace it. Soaring allergen counts, pets and house size may also influence its life span. Generally, inexpensive filters should be replaced every month. Pleated models made with denser material might last three months or longer.

“It’s really the major thing people forget about,” said Jim Hughes, senior manager of education and training at Service Experts. “The more overloaded the filter is, the less air is able to go through it and actually add warmth to the residence. A dirty filter makes your furnace work harder.”

2. Schedule Annual HVAC Service

It’s standard to have a tech visit your house in the spring for AC service. That way, your unit is prepped for the summer.

But don’t neglect to schedule an appointment for furnace service before the winter too.

Among other procedures, an inspection usually covers:

Examining thermostat settings
Cleaning and lubricating internal components
Inspecting system shutdown and startup processes

Maintenance helps lessen the probability of dealing with an emergency repair in the middle of a blizzard. Some reports have indicated 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 main entry point for chilly air. Insulating window and door frames is an economical method to help keep cold air outside.

Here’s one test that Hughes recommends.

Shut a door. Is any light visible? If that’s what’s happening, it’s not fully sealed. Modifications or weather-stripping may be required.

If you have single-pane windows, you should consider a dual-pane upgrade.

Many homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic film.

It’s not a bad idea, but dual-pane windows provide superior insulation for keeping cool air out.

When you install double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or better.

4. Limit Use of Vented Appliances

If you need the exhaust fan during cooking, Hughes recommends against leaving it on for too long.

The same holds true for the dryer. Don’t permit it to run after your clothes are done.

Any venting appliance or exhaust fan expels hot air away from your home and pulls in cold air. Running these appliances all the time will make your furnace to use more energy to handle the unnecessary coldness.

5. Examine Your House’s Outer Edges for Holes

Evaluate your house’s perimeter. This is the barrier that shields your home from the weather. If you have a basement, look for moving cobwebs or chilly air trickling in close by the sides.

Polyurethane products and other solutions can be bought to plug basement walls allowing air into your residence. Another economical move is to invest foam seals for fixture undersides, like ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.

They’re fast to put in and are great at stopping cold air in the winter.

6. Check Insulation Levels in Your Attic

It’s worth confirming that you have adequate insulation levels

Hughes recommends checking the ENERGY STAR® zone map to find the suitable R-value for your house’s walls and attic space. This value is based on the geographic area where your home is.

7. Think About Our Advantage Program™

Winter might be tough for homeowners with underperforming systems.

If your furnace is failing or in need of costly fixes, there’s a fair chance you’re not set to spend thousands on a modern system.

That’s why we offer our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you bypass pricey fixes through a modest monthly fee.

We’ll also put in an energy-saving system in your house. Plus our pro specialists will overhaul and tune it up for you without any additional out-of-pocket fee