Your house is likely among your most valued investments. It helps you financially through building equity, and it’s an area to raise your family and create memories, too. When it’s cold, you could also be dealing with rising gas costs.
Consequently, finding methods to lower your heating bill in Dayton without compromising comfort can appear difficult.
When it comes to energy efficiency, houses are similar to motor vehicles. Some require a lot of energy while others sip it slowly. Regardless of what kind of home you have, there are ways to halt the discomfort this winter. The Experts are here with seven tips to keep you comfy without going over budget.
1. Get a New Your Air Filter
It’s the most economical solution there is. It’s also the best way to keep your heater running properly throughout the winter.
The type of filter and seasonal determinants influence how regularly you should put in a new one. Soaring allergen counts, pets and home size may also impact its life span. Typically, inexpensive filters should be changed monthly. Pleated models made with denser material may work for three months or longer.
“It’s really the large thing folks forget about,” said Jim Hughes, senior manager of education and training at Service Experts. “The more full the filter is, the less air is able to go 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 a tech visit your house in the spring for AC service. That way, your air conditioner is ready for the heat.
But don’t forget to schedule an appointment for furnace service before it gets cold too.
Among other procedures, an inspection usually involves:
- Examining thermostat settings
- Cleaning and oiling internal components
- Examining system shutdown and startup processes
A tune-up helps decrease the likelihood of facing an emergency repair in the middle of a blizzard. Some reports have shown as many as 75% of “no heat” calls could have been prevented with normal maintenance.
3. Examine Windows and Doors for Holes
Windows and doors are a main entry point for chilly air. Insulating window and door frames is an economical way to help keep cold air where it belongs.
Here’s one check that Hughes suggests.
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 think over a dual-pane improvement.
Many homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic wrap.
It’s not a bad option, but dual-pane windows provide much better insulation for keeping cold air outside.
When you switch to double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or higher.
4. Limit Use of Vented Appliances
If you require the exhaust fan during cooking, Hughes recommends against leaving it running for an extended period of time.
The same applies to for the dryer. Don’t let it to work after your clothes are dry.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan forces out heated air away from your home and pulls in cold air. Operating these appliances all the time will require your heater to run more often to manage the preventable chill.
5. Check Your House’s Outer Edges for Holes
Inspect your house’s perimeter. This is the barrier that protects your house from the outside. If your home has a basement, be on the lookout for fluttering cobwebs or cold coming in around the corners.
Polyurethane products and other things can be used to plug basement walls allowing air into your home. Another cost-effective tip is to get foam seals for fixture undersides, for example ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re simple to use and are great at blocking cold air in the winter.
6. Evaluate Insulation Levels in Your Attic
It’s worth making sure that you have thick enough insulation levels
Hughes recommends checking the ENERGY STAR® zone map to locate the recommended R-value for your home’s walls and attic space. This value is formulated on the geographic area where you live.
7. Think About Our Advantage Program™
Winter may be trying for homeowners with aging systems.
If your furnace is going out or in need of major fixes, there’s a fair chance you’re not prepared to spend thousands on a new system.
That’s why we offer our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you bypass costly service calls through a small monthly fee.
We’ll also hook up an energy-efficient system in your home. Plus our Expert specialists will overhaul and maintain it for you without any additional out-of-pocket cost
Book an Appointment with Us Right Away
Make your Dayton residence more energy efficient with pro support from Service Experts.
For more details about our Advantage Program or to book an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 937-503-7896 or contact us online right away.