7 Ways to Lower Your Heating Bill in Dayton Throughout the Winter
Your residence is probably at the top of the list of your most treasured investments. It helps you financially through improving equity, and it’s a place to enjoy with your family and create moments you’ll remember, too. When it’s cold, you might also be experiencing rising heating expenses.
As a consequence, finding tactics to lower your heating bill in Birmingham without lowering comfort can seem difficult.
When it comes to energy efficiency, houses resemble vehicles. Some require a lot of energy while others use it steadily. Regardless of what sort of house you own, there are steps to end the cold this winter. The Experts are here with seven suggestions to keep your family toasty without breaking the bank.
1. Change Your Air Filter
It’s the most economical suggestion there is. It’s also the best approach to keep your furnace functioning smoothly during the winter.
The model of filter and seasonal factors affect how regularly you should get a new one. High allergen counts, pets and home size might also impact its durability. Generally, inexpensive filters should be replaced monthly. Pleated ones made with thicker material may last three months or longer.
“It’s really the large thing homeowners overlook,” said Jim Hughes, senior manager of education and training at Service Experts. “The more full the filter is, the less air is able to move through it and actually add warmth to the home. An overloaded filter makes your furnace work harder.”
2. Schedule Routine HVAC Service
It’s normal to have an Expert come by your house in the spring for AC service. That way, your unit is prepared for the summer.
But don’t overlook scheduling an appointment for furnace service before it snows too.
Among other steps, an inspection typically covers:
- Examining thermostat settings
- Cleaning and oiling internal components
- Taking a look at system shutdown and startup processes
Maintenance helps decrease the probability of handling an emergency repair in the middle of a blizzard. Some reports have shown as many as 75% of “no heat” calls could have been stopped with normal service.
3. Examine Windows and Doors for Cracks
Windows and doors are a main entry point for chilly air. Sealing window and door frames is an economical approach to help keep cold air out.
Here’s one assessment that Hughes recommends.
Shut a door. Do you notice any light? If that’s what’s happening, it’s not fully sealed. Changes or weather-stripping may be required.
If your house has single-pane windows, you should consider a dual-pane upgrade.
Many homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic wrap.
It’s not a bad move, but dual-pane windows provide superior insulation for keeping chilled air out.
When you switch to double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or better.
4. Limit Use of Vented Appliances
If you need the exhaust fan throughout cooking, Hughes advises against leaving it running for too long.
The same goes for for the dryer. Don’t let it to run after your clothes are done.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan forces out heated air out and adds cold air. Operating these appliances continuously will force your furnace to work harder to fight the unnecessary coldness.
5. Check Your House’s Outer Edges for Holes
Examine your home’s perimeter. This is the barrier that shields your home from the elements. If there’s a basement, check for fluttering cobwebs or cold coming in near the sides.
Polyurethane products and other solutions can be purchased to fix basement walls allowing air into your home. Another cost-effective idea is to get foam seals for fixture bases, for example ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re fast to install and are great at stopping cold air in the winter.
6. Measure 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 home’s walls and attic space. This suggestion is based on the geographic area where you live.
7. Consider Our Advantage Program™
Winter might be tough for homeowners with inefficient equipment.
If your furnace is failing or in need of major fixes, there’s a reasonable chance you’re not able to spend thousands on a modern system.
That’s why we have our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you bypass pricey service calls through a small monthly fee.
We’ll also install a high-efficiency system in your residence. Plus our Expert specialists will repair and tune it up for you without any extra out-of-pocket expense
Book an Appointment with Us Right Away
Make your Birmingham residence more energy efficient with professional assistance from Service Experts.
For more specifics about our Advantage Program or to book an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 205-267-0023 or contact us online right away.