Your home is likely one of your most valued investments. It supports you financially through equity-building, and it’s a place to enjoy with your family and create memorable moments, too. This time of year, you may also be experiencing growing energy costs.
As a result, finding tactics to lower your heating bill in Rochester without giving up comfort can appear challenging.
In regard to energy efficiency, houses are like vehicles. Some guzzle energy while others sip 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 comfortable without breaking the bank.
1. Change Your Air Filter
It’s the most inexpensive solution there is. It’s also the best method to keep your heater operating smoothly during the winter.
The kind of filter and seasonal determinants affect how often you should put in a new one. Increased allergen counts, pets and house size might also affect its longevity. In most cases, cheap filters should be changed each month. Pleated ones made with denser material might make it three months or longer.
“It’s really the major thing folks overlook,” said Jim Hughes, senior manager of education and training at Service Experts. “The more full the filter is, the less air is able to be filtered through it and actually heat the home. A clogged filter makes your HVAC system work harder.”
2. Schedule Annual HVAC Service
It’s normal to have an Expert come by your residence in the spring for AC service. That way, your system is prepared for the summer.
But don’t overlook scheduling an appointment for furnace service before the winter too.
Among other procedures, an inspection usually includes:
- Examining thermostat settings
- Cleaning and lubricating internal pieces
- Taking a look at system shutdown and startup processes
Regular service helps decrease the possibility 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 avoided with routine tune-ups.
3. Examine Windows and Doors for Leaks
Windows and doors are a main entry point for chilly air. Caulking window and door frames is an economical way to help keep cold air out.
Here’s one test that Hughes advises.
Latch a door. Is any light visible? If so, it’s not totally sealed. Adjustments or weather-stripping could be required.
If your house has single-pane windows, you might want to think about a dual-pane upgrade.
Some homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic wrap.
It’s not a bad option, but dual-pane windows provide superior insulation for keeping cool 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 throughout cooking, Hughes recommends against leaving it running for an extended period of time.
The same applies to for the dryer. Don’t let it to run after your clothes are dry.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan pulls out heated air out and adds cold air. Operating these appliances longer than needed will force your furnace to use more energy to battle the preventable cold.
5. Check Your House’s Edges for Holes
Check your residence’s exterior. This is the area that separates your residence from the outside. If you have a basement, watch for moving cobwebs or chilly air coming in around the corners.
Polyurethane sealant and other things can be purchased to plug basement walls letting air into your home. Another affordable move is to get foam seals for fixture bases, such as ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re quick to put in and are fantastic at keeping the cold air out in the winter.
6. Evaluate Insulation Levels in Your Attic
It’s worth making sure that you have appropriate insulation levels
Hughes advises looking at the ENERGY STAR® zone map to determine the recommended R-value for your home’s walls and attic space. This value is based on the geographic location where you’re located.
7. Sign Up for Our Advantage Program™
Winter might be rough for homeowners with aging equipment.
If your furnace is going out or in need of costly fixes, there’s a fair chance you’re not able to spend thousands on an updated system.
That’s why we offer our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you avoid costly service calls through a modest monthly fee.
We’ll also hook up an energy-saving system in your house. Plus our pro technicians will repair and service it for you without any additional out-of-pocket cost
Book an Appointment with Us Now
Make your Rochester residence more energy efficient with expert help from Service Experts.
For more specifics about our Advantage Program or to book an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 603-923-4570 or contact us online right away.