Your house is usually at the top of the list of your most valued investments. It supports you financially through equity-building, and it’s a space to enjoy with your family and develop memories, too. During the winter, you may also be experiencing rising utility expenses.
Consequently, finding techniques to lower your heating bill in Louisville without compromising comfort can seem challenging.
When it comes to energy efficiency, homes resemble cars. Some guzzle energy while others use it gradually. Regardless of what sort of house you live in, there are ways to stop the discomfort this winter. The Experts are here with seven tips to keep you warm without going over budget.
1. Get a New Your Air Filter
It’s the most cost-effective solution there is. It’s also the best approach to keep your heater operating smoothly throughout the winter.
The type of filter and seasonal factors affect how regularly you should get a new one. High allergen counts, pets and home size can also impact its durability. In most cases, cheap filters should be swapped monthly. Pleated models made with higher-quality material may last 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 house. A dirty filter makes your HVAC system work harder.”
2. Schedule Annual HVAC Service
It’s normal to have a technician come to your residence in the spring for AC service. That way, your unit is prepared for the warm weather.
But don’t forget to schedule an appointment for furnace service before it snows too.
Among other steps, an inspection typically covers:
- Examining thermostat settings
- Cleaning and lubricating internal parts
- Taking a look at system shutdown and startup procedures
Maintenance helps lessen the probability of dealing with 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 prevented with normal maintenance.
3. Inspect Windows and Doors for Holes
Windows and doors are a leading entry point for chilly air. Caulking window and door frames is an inexpensive method to help keep cold air out.
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 you have single-pane windows, you may want to consider a dual-pane option.
Many homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic film.
It’s not a bad move, but dual-pane windows provide superior insulation for keeping cool air where it belongs.
When you switch to double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or greater.
4. Restrict Use of Vented Appliances
If you require the exhaust fan throughout cooking, Hughes advises against leaving it running for a long time.
The same goes for for the dryer. Don’t let it to operate after your clothes are dry.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan expels warm air away from your home and pulls in cold air. Using these appliances longer than needed will force your heater to work harder to fight the preventable coldness.
5. Check Your Home’s Outer Edges for Leaks
Check your house’s perimeter. This is the barrier that shields your house from the weather. If there’s a basement, check for moving cobwebs or cool air trickling in near the corners.
Polyurethane sealant and other things can be purchased to fix basement walls leaking air into your house. Another inexpensive tip is to get foam seals for fixture undersides, like ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re simple to install and are great at stopping cold air in the winter.
6. Check Insulation Levels in Your Attic
It’s worth ensuring that you have thick enough insulation levels
Hughes advises visiting the ENERGY STAR® zone map to locate the suitable R-value for your house’s walls and attic space. This suggestion is formulated on the geographic spot where you’re located.
7. Sign Up for Our Advantage Program™
Winter may be rough for homeowners with aging units.
If your furnace is not working right or in need of extensive repair, there’s a fair chance you’re not ready to spend thousands on an updated system.
That’s why we offer our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you avoid pricey service calls through a modest monthly fee.
We’ll also install a high-efficiency system in your residence. Plus our Expert specialists will overhaul and tune it up for you without any added out-of-pocket fee
Request an Appointment with Us Right Away
Make your Louisville home 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 502-785-8230 or contact us online today.