Your home is usually one of your most cherished investments. It helps you financially through equity-building, and it’s an area to raise your family and make memories, too. During the winter, you could also be experiencing rising heating expenses.
Consequently, finding approaches to lower your heating bill in Concord without giving up comfort can appear harder than it needs to be.
As far as energy efficiency, houses are like vehicles. Some require a lot of energy while others use it steadily. Regardless of what sort of home you live in, there are methods to block the discomfort this winter. The Experts are here with seven ideas to keep you comfortable without breaking the bank.
1. Get a New Your Air Filter
It’s the most cost-effective solution there is. It’s also the best way to keep your furnace functioning smoothly through the winter.
The kind of filter and seasonal determinants influence how regularly you should put in a new one. High allergen counts, pets and home size might also impact its longevity. Generally, low-priced filters should be swapped monthly. Pleated ones made with denser material could work for three months or longer.
“It’s really the big thing homeowners 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 move through it and actually warm the house. An overloaded filter makes your furnace work harder.”
2. Schedule Annual HVAC Service
It’s standard to have a technician stop by your residence in the spring for AC service. That way, your system is ready for the summer.
But don’t forget to schedule an appointment for furnace service before it snows too.
Among other procedures, an inspection typically covers:
- Double-checking thermostat settings
- Cleaning and greasing internal components
- Taking a look at system shutdown and startup controls
Maintenance helps lessen the odds 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 service.
3. Examine Windows and Doors for Leaks
Windows and doors are a primary entry point for frigid air. Caulking window and door frames is an inexpensive way to help keep cold air outside.
Here’s one assessment that Hughes advises.
Close a door. Is any light visible? If so, it’s not fully sealed. Adjustments or weather-stripping might be necessary.
If you have single-pane windows, you might want to consider a dual-pane improvement.
A lot of homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic sheeting.
It’s not a bad move, but dual-pane windows provide enhanced insulation for keeping cool air outside.
When you switch to double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or greater.
4. Restrict Use of Vented Appliances
If you need the exhaust fan during cooking, Hughes recommends against leaving it running for an extended period of time.
The same goes for for the dryer. Don’t allow it to work after your clothes are dry.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan pulls out hot air out and increases cold air. Using these appliances longer than needed will make your heater to use more energy to handle the avoidable coldness.
5. Check Your House’s Outer Edges for Cracks
Evaluate your home’s exterior. This is the boundary that separates your residence from the elements. If there’s a basement, watch for moving cobwebs or chilly air coming in near the edges.
Polyurethane products and other things can be used to mend basement walls leaking air into your house. Another affordable idea is to invest foam seals for fixture bottoms, such as ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re quick to install and are awesome 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 advises looking at the ENERGY STAR® zone map to find the recommended 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 might be trying for homeowners with failing units.
If your furnace is going out or requiring major service, there’s a reasonable chance you’re not able to spend thousands on an updated system.
That’s why we provide our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you prevent pricey fixes through a small monthly fee.
We’ll also hook up a high-efficiency system in your residence. Plus our professional specialists will fix and tune it up for you without any added out-of-pocket cost
Request an Appointment with Us Right Away
Make your Concord house more energy efficient with professional help from Service Experts.
For more details about our Advantage Program or to schedule an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 925-384-1303 or contact us online now.