Your home is usually among your most precious investments. It assists you financially through improving equity, and it’s a space to raise your family and develop memorable moments, too. This time of year, you may also face higher energy bills.
Consequently, finding methods to lower your heating bill in Pierre without compromising comfort can feel harder than it needs to be.
When it comes to energy efficiency, residences resemble vehicles. Some consume a lot of energy while others sip it slowly. Regardless of what type of residence you have, there are steps to stop the cold this winter. The Experts are here with seven tips to keep your family toasty without going over budget.
1. Change Your Air Filter
It’s the most inexpensive recommendation out there. It’s also the best method to keep your heating system functioning smoothly through the winter.
The model of filter and seasonal factors contribute to how often you should get a new one. High allergen counts, pets and home size may also influence its durability. In most cases, fiberglass filters should be changed every month. Pleated styles made with better material may make it three months or longer.
“It’s really the major thing homeowners ignore,” said Jim Hughes, senior manager of education and training at Service Experts. “The more full the filter is, the less air is able to go through it and actually warm the residence. A clogged filter makes your furnace work harder.”
2. Schedule Annual HVAC Service
It’s standard to have a tech stop by your residence in the spring for AC service. That way, your unit is ready for the summer.
But don’t overlook scheduling an appointment for furnace service before the winter too.
Among other actions, an inspection typically includes:
- Checking thermostat settings
- Cleaning and oiling internal components
- Inspecting system shutdown and startup procedures
Maintenance helps lessen the odds of facing 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 normal maintenance.
3. Examine Windows and Doors for Leaks
Windows and doors are a central entry point for cold air. Insulating window and door frames is an cost effective approach to help keep cold air out.
Here’s one assessment that Hughes recommends.
Latch a door. Do you notice any light? If that’s what’s happening, it’s not fully sealed. Changes or weather-stripping may be needed.
If your home has single-pane windows, you should consider a dual-pane upgrade.
A lot of homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic wrap.
It’s not a bad option, but dual-pane windows provide superior insulation for keeping chilled air out.
When you switch to double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or higher.
4. Restrict Use of Vented Appliances
If you require the exhaust fan while cooking, Hughes recommends against leaving it going for an extended period of time.
The same holds true for the dryer. Don’t allow it to work after your clothes are ready.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan forces out warm air out and pulls in cold air. Running these appliances continuously will make your furnace to run more often to battle the preventable chill.
5. Look at Your Home’s Outer Edges for Leaks
Inspect your residence’s building envelope. This is the area that protects your residence from the elements. If you have a basement, be on the lookout for blowing cobwebs or chilly air leaking in around the corners.
Polyurethane sealers and other solutions can be used to fix basement walls allowing air into your home. Another inexpensive tip is to invest foam seals for fixture bases, such as ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re quick to install and are great at keeping the cold air out in the winter.
6. Measure Insulation Levels in Your Attic
It’s worth confirming that you have thick enough 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 value is based on the geographic area where you’re located.
7. Sign Up for Our Advantage Program™
Winter may be trying for homeowners with underperforming units.
If your furnace is malfunctioning or requiring extensive repair, there’s a reasonable chance you’re not prepared to spend thousands on a new system.
That’s why we provide our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you bypass pricey fixes through a modest monthly fee.
We’ll also hook up a high-efficiency system in your home. Plus our Expert techs will repair and tune it up for you without any additional out-of-pocket cost
Request an Appointment with Us Right Away
Make your Pierre house more energy efficient with expert assistance from Service Experts.
For more specifics about our Advantage Program or to book an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 605-223-0307 or contact us online today.