Your residence is likely one of your most precious investments. It helps you financially through improving equity, and it’s a space to watch your family grow and create memories, too. When it’s cold, you could also face rising gas costs.
Consequently, finding approaches to lower your heating bill in Clearwater without giving up comfort can seem harder than it needs to be.
When it comes to energy efficiency, homes are like motor vehicles. Some guzzle energy while others sip it steadily. Regardless of what kind of house you own, there are steps to stop the cold this winter. The Experts are here with seven tips to keep your family warm without driving up your energy bill.
1. Get a New Your Air Filter
It’s the most economical recommendation that exists. It’s also the best way to keep your heating system running properly throughout the winter.
The model of filter and seasonal factors affect how regularly you should replace it. Soaring allergen counts, pets and residence size can also affect its durability. Generally, low-priced filters should be replaced every month. Pleated ones made with denser material could work for three months or longer.
“It’s really the big thing folks forget about,” said Jim Hughes, senior manager of education and training at Service Experts. “The more loaded up the filter is, the less air is able to be filtered through it and actually add warmth to the residence. An overloaded filter makes your furnace work harder.”
2. Schedule Routine HVAC Service
It’s common to have a technician visit your house in the spring for AC service. That way, your air conditioner is prepped for the summer.
But don’t forget to schedule an appointment for furnace service before it snows too.
Among other actions, an inspection typically covers:
- Double-checking thermostat settings
- Cleaning and greasing internal parts
- Examining system shutdown and startup processes
Regular service helps decrease the likelihood of handling an emergency repair in the middle of winter. Some reports have indicated as many as 75% of “no heat” calls could have been stopped with regular tune-ups.
3. Inspect Windows and Doors for Leaks
Windows and doors are a primary entry point for cold air. Caulking window and door frames is an economical approach to help keep cold air out.
Here’s one assessment that Hughes recommends.
Latch a door. Is any light visible? If that’s what’s happening, it’s not totally sealed. Changes or weather-stripping could be required.
If you have single-pane windows, you may want to consider a dual-pane improvement.
A lot of homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic sheeting.
It’s not a bad option, but dual-pane windows provide enhanced insulation for keeping cold air outside.
When you add double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or higher.
4. Regulate Use of Vented Appliances
If you use the exhaust fan while cooking, Hughes recommends against leaving it going for too long.
The same applies to for the dryer. Don’t allow it to operate after your clothes are done.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan pulls out warm air out and increases cold air. Using these appliances all the time will require your HVAC system to run more often to battle the unnecessary cold.
5. Examine Your Home’s Outer Edges for Cracks
Examine your residence’s perimeter. This is the barrier that shields your home from the outside. If there’s a basement, watch for blowing cobwebs or cold flowing in near the corners.
Polyurethane products and other options can be bought to mend basement walls allowing air into your home. Another economical idea is to invest foam seals for fixture undersides, such as ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re simple to use and are fantastic at stopping cold air in the winter.
6. Check Insulation Levels in Your Attic
It’s worth confirming that you have thick enough insulation levels
Hughes recommends checking the ENERGY STAR® zone map to determine the suitable R-value for your home’s walls and attic space. This suggestion is established on the geographic location where you live.
7. Sign Up for Our Advantage Program™
Winter might be tough for homeowners with failing units.
If your furnace is malfunctioning or requiring major fixes, there’s a good chance you’re not ready to spend thousands on an updated system.
That’s why we provide our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you avoid expensive service calls through a modest monthly fee.
We’ll also install an energy-efficient system in your house. Plus our pro technicians will repair and maintain it for you without any additional out-of-pocket fee
Schedule an Appointment with Us Right Away
Make your Clearwater residence more energy efficient with expert support from Service Experts.
For more information about our Advantage Program or to schedule an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 727-219-2471 or contact us online right away.