Your residence is usually at the top of the list of your most cherished investments. It supports you financially through increasing equity, and it’s an area to raise your family and develop memorable moments, too. This time of year, you might also be dealing with increased energy expenses.
Consequently, finding methods to lower your heating bill in Columbus without lowering comfort can appear difficult.
In regard to energy efficiency, residences resemble cars. Some guzzle energy while others sip it slowly. Regardless of what sort of house you own, there are steps to halt the cold this winter. The Experts are here with seven ideas to help you stay comfy without breaking the bank.
1. Change Your Air Filter
It’s the most economical solution out there. It’s also the best approach to keep your heater operating optimally through the winter.
The type of filter and seasonal factors affect how frequently you should put in a new one. Soaring allergen counts, pets and house size can also impact its longevity. Generally, cheap filters should be replaced every month. Pleated ones made with denser material could make it three months or longer.
“It’s really the major thing homeowners 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 move through it and actually warm the house. An overloaded filter makes your HVAC system work harder.”
2. Schedule Routine HVAC Service
It’s standard to have a technician stop by your home in the spring for AC service. That way, your system is prepared for the summer.
But don’t neglect to schedule an appointment for furnace service before it snows too.
Among other steps, an inspection commonly includes:
- Checking thermostat settings
- Cleaning and oiling internal parts
- Examining system shutdown and startup processes
Regular service helps lessen the probability of handling an emergency repair in the middle of winter. Some reports have shown as many as 75% of “no heat” calls could have been prevented with regular tune-ups.
3. Inspect Windows and Doors for Cracks
Windows and doors are a main entry point for chilly air. Insulating window and door frames is an cost effective way to help keep frigid air out.
Here’s one check that Hughes recommends.
Latch a door. Can you see any light? If that’s what’s happening, it’s not entirely sealed. Changes or weather-stripping might be necessary.
If your residence has single-pane windows, you should consider a dual-pane upgrade.
Many homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic film.
It’s not a bad move, but dual-pane windows provide enhanced insulation for keeping cold air out.
When you install double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or better.
4. Restrict Use of Vented Appliances
If you use the exhaust fan throughout cooking, Hughes advises against leaving it going for a long time.
The same holds true for the dryer. Don’t allow it to operate after your clothes are ready.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan forces out heated air outside and adds cold air. Using these appliances all the time will require your furnace to work harder to handle the preventable cold.
5. Examine Your Home’s Perimeter for Leaks
Evaluate your home’s exterior. This is the area that separates your home from the weather. If your home has a basement, watch for moving cobwebs or cold leaking in around the sides.
Polyurethane products and other solutions can be used to fix basement walls allowing air into your home. Another affordable tip is to invest foam seals for fixture bottoms, like ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re simple to use and are great at blocking cold air in the winter.
6. Measure Insulation Levels in Your Attic
It’s worth ensuring that you have thick enough insulation levels
Hughes advises looking at the ENERGY STAR® zone map to locate the suitable R-value for your residence’s walls and attic space. This recommendation is established on the geographic spot where you’re located.
7. Think About Our Advantage Program™
Winter might be tough for homeowners with inefficient systems.
If your furnace is going out or requiring extensive repair, there’s a fair chance you’re not set to spend thousands on a new system.
That’s why we have 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 home. Plus our Expert specialists will fix and tune it up for you without any added out-of-pocket cost
Book an Appointment with Us Today
Make your Columbus house more energy efficient with pro support from Service Experts.
For more information about our Advantage Program or to request an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 614-334-3192 or contact us online today.