Your residence is likely one of your most valued investments. It helps you financially through increasing equity, and it’s an area to raise your family and make memories, too. When it’s cold, you could also be experiencing increased utility expenses.
Consequently, finding approaches to lower your heating bill in Raleigh without lowering comfort can seem harder than it needs to be.
In regard to energy efficiency, homes are similar to cars. Some consume a lot of energy while others use it slowly. Regardless of what type of residence you own, there are ways to stop the discomfort this winter. The Experts are here with seven tips to keep your family toasty without going over budget.
1. Replace Your Your Air Filter
It’s the most economical recommendation out there. It’s also the best method to keep your heater operating optimally during the winter.
The kind of filter and seasonal factors affect how frequently you should get a new one. Increased allergen counts, pets and home size might also affect its durability. Typically, inexpensive filters should be swapped monthly. Pleated models made with better material might last three months or longer.
“It’s really the big thing people overlook,” 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 heat the house. A dirty filter makes your HVAC system work harder.”
2. Schedule Regular HVAC Service
It’s common to have a tech come by your home in the spring for AC service. That way, your system is prepped for the heat.
But don’t forget to schedule an appointment for furnace service before the winter too.
Among other actions, an inspection usually includes:
- Examining thermostat settings
- Cleaning and oiling internal pieces
- Inspecting system shutdown and startup processes
A tune-up helps lessen the odds of handling an emergency repair in the middle of a cold snap. Some reports have indicated as many as 75% of “no heat” calls could have been stopped with standard service.
3. Examine Windows and Doors for Leaks
Windows and doors are a leading entry point for frigid air. Caulking window and door frames is an inexpensive approach to help keep cold air outside.
Here’s one assessment that Hughes advises.
Shut a door. Is any light visible? If that’s the case, it’s not fully sealed. Changes or weather-stripping might be necessary.
If you have single-pane windows, you should think over a dual-pane upgrade.
A lot of homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic film.
It’s not a bad solution, but dual-pane windows provide superior insulation for keeping chilled air outside.
When you install double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or better.
4. Limit Use of Vented Appliances
If you require the exhaust fan while cooking, Hughes recommends against leaving it running for a long time.
The same applies to for the dryer. Don’t allow it to operate after your clothes are dry.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan forces out heated air out and adds cold air. Running these appliances all the time will require your furnace to use more energy to take care of the unnecessary cold.
5. Inspect Your House’s Perimeter for Holes
Inspect your residence’s perimeter. This is the barrier that separates your home from the elements. If there’s a basement, watch for moving cobwebs or chilly air leaking in around the sides.
Polyurethane sealant and other things can be bought to mend basement walls letting air into your home. Another affordable idea is to invest foam seals for fixture bottoms, for example ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re simple to use and are awesome at keeping the cold air out in the winter.
6. Check 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 house’s walls and attic space. This recommendation is established on the geographic area where you’re located.
7. Consider Our Advantage Program™
Winter could be trying for homeowners with underperforming equipment.
If your furnace is failing or in need of expensive repair, there’s a good chance you’re not ready to spend thousands on a new system.
That’s why we have our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you avoid costly fixes through a low monthly fee.
We’ll also install an energy-efficient system in your house. Plus our Expert specialists will fix and maintain it for you without any added out-of-pocket fee
Schedule an Appointment with Us Now
Make your Raleigh home more energy efficient with pro help from Service Experts.
For more specifics about our Advantage Program or to request an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 919-578-4329 or contact us online now.