Your house is probably at the top of the list of your most treasured investments. It assists you financially through boosting equity, and it’s a place to raise your family and create moments you’ll remember, too. When it’s cold, you could also be experiencing higher heating expenses.
As a consequence, finding methods to lower your heating bill in Birmingham without lowering comfort can appear harder than it needs to be.
In regard to energy efficiency, homes are similar to vehicles. Some require a lot of energy while others use it gradually. Regardless of what type of house you live in, there are ways to block the cold this winter. The Experts are here with seven ideas to help your family stay warm without driving up your energy bill.
1. Change Your Air Filter
It’s the most cost-effective recommendation out there. It’s also the best way to keep your heater running properly during the winter.
The kind of filter and seasonal determinants affect how regularly you should get a new one. Increased allergen counts, pets and home size can also affect its durability. Typically, fiberglass filters should be replaced each month. Pleated ones made with thicker material could work for 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 full the filter is, the less air is able to move through it and actually warm the residence. A clogged filter makes your HVAC system work harder.”
2. Schedule Routine HVAC Service
It’s standard to have an Expert come to your home in the spring for AC service. That way, your system is ready for the summer.
But don’t overlook scheduling an appointment for furnace service before it snows too.
Among other procedures, an inspection usually covers:
- Checking thermostat settings
- Cleaning and lubricating internal components
- Examining system shutdown and startup procedures
Regular service helps lessen 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 prevented with standard tune-ups.
3. Check Windows and Doors for Leaks
Windows and doors are a primary entry point for cold air. Sealing window and door frames is an inexpensive way to help keep chilly air outside.
Here’s one check that Hughes advises.
Close a door. Is any light visible? If that’s the case, it’s not entirely sealed. Adjustments or weather-stripping might be necessary.
If your home has single-pane windows, you may want to think about a dual-pane upgrade.
A lot of homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic wrap.
It’s not a bad idea, but dual-pane windows provide enhanced insulation for keeping chilled air out.
When you add double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or better.
4. Regulate Use of Vented Appliances
If you require the exhaust fan during cooking, Hughes recommends against leaving it going for an extended period of time.
The same holds true for the dryer. Don’t let it to operate after your clothes are dry.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan pulls out hot air outside and pulls in cold air. Running these appliances longer than needed will force your HVAC system to run more often to handle the preventable coldness.
5. Look at Your Residence’s Edges for Cracks
Examine your house’s building envelope. This is the boundary that separates your home from the outside. If you have a basement, watch for blowing cobwebs or cold coming in near the corners.
Polyurethane sealant and other things can be bought to plug basement walls letting air into your house. Another inexpensive idea is to add foam seals for fixture undersides, such as ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re fast to put in and are fantastic at blocking cold air in the winter.
6. Measure Insulation Levels in Your Attic
It’s worth ensuring that you have appropriate insulation levels
Hughes advises checking the ENERGY STAR® zone map to determine the suitable R-value for your house’s walls and attic space. This recommendation is established on the geographic spot where you’re located.
7. Consider Our Advantage Program™
Winter can be rough for homeowners with inefficient systems.
If your furnace is not working right or needing major repair, there’s a reasonable chance you’re not set to spend thousands on a modern system.
That’s why we have our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you avoid expensive fixes through a small monthly fee.
We’ll also hook up an energy-efficient system in your home. Plus our Expert techs will fix and maintain it for you without any additional out-of-pocket expense
Schedule an Appointment with Us Right Away
Make your Birmingham residence more energy efficient with expert support from Service Experts.
For more details about our Advantage Program or to book an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 205-267-0023 or contact us online right away.