7 Methods to Lower Your Heating Bill in Rochester During the Winter

Your home is likely one of your most precious investments. It supports you financially through boosting equity, and it’s a place to enjoy with your family and make memories, too. This time of year, you could also be experiencing increased energy costs.

Consequently, finding tactics to lower your heating bill in Birmingham without giving up comfort can appear challenging.

When it comes to energy efficiency, residences are similar to motor vehicles. Some guzzle energy while others sip it gradually. Regardless of what sort of home you live in, there are steps to block the chill this winter. The Experts are here with seven ideas to keep you comfortable without driving up your energy bill.

1. Replace Your Your Air Filter

It’s the most inexpensive solution out there. It’s also the best way to keep your heating system running properly throughout the winter.

The type of filter and seasonal elements contribute to how frequently you should put in a new one. High allergen counts, pets and house size might also affect its life span. Typically, fiberglass filters should be swapped monthly. Pleated styles made with denser material might work for three months or longer.

“It’s really the large thing homeowners 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 move through it and actually add warmth to the residence. A clogged filter makes your HVAC system work harder.”

2. Schedule Annual HVAC Service

It’s standard to have a tech come by your home in the spring for AC service. That way, your air conditioner is prepared for the heat.

But don’t overlook scheduling an appointment for furnace service before it gets cold too.

Among other procedures, an inspection typically covers:

    • Checking thermostat settings
    • Cleaning and greasing internal pieces
    • Examining system shutdown and startup controls

Regular service helps lower the chance of facing an emergency repair in the middle of a blizzard. Some reports have found as many as 75% of “no heat” calls could have been stopped with normal service.

3. Inspect Windows and Doors for Leaks

Windows and doors are a main entry point for chilly air. Insulating window and door frames is an inexpensive method to help keep cold air out.

Here’s one check that Hughes advises.

Close a door. Can you see any light? If that’s what’s happening, it’s not fully sealed. Modifications or weather-stripping may be required.

If you have single-pane windows, you might want to think about a dual-pane upgrade.

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 out.

When you add double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or better.

4. Restrict Use of Vented Appliances

If you use the exhaust fan during cooking, Hughes advises against leaving it on for too long.

The same goes for for the dryer. Don’t let it to work after your clothes are dry.

Any venting appliance or exhaust fan forces out warm air outside and pulls in cold air. Running these appliances continuously will force your furnace to use more energy to battle the avoidable coldness.

5. Look at Your Residence’s Perimeter for Cracks

Examine your residence’s exterior. This is the boundary that protects your home from the elements. If your home has a basement, look for fluttering cobwebs or chilly air trickling in close by the sides.

Polyurethane products and other solutions can be purchased to plug basement walls allowing air into your house. Another inexpensive idea is to invest foam seals for fixture bottoms, such as ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.

They’re quick to use and are great at blocking cold air in the winter.

6. Check Insulation Levels in Your Attic

It’s worth making sure that you have thick enough insulation levels

Hughes suggests checking the ENERGY STAR® zone map to find the suitable R-value for your residence’s walls and attic space. This value is established on the geographic spot where your home is.

7. Sign Up for Our Advantage Program™

Winter might be rough for homeowners with aging equipment.

If your furnace is malfunctioning or requiring extensive fixes, there’s a reasonable chance you’re not able to spend thousands on a new system.

That’s why we offer our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you prevent expensive service calls through a low monthly fee.

We’ll also install an energy-saving system in your home. Plus our Expert technicians will fix and tune it up for you without any extra out-of-pocket fee

Book an Appointment with Us Now

Make your Birmingham home more energy efficient with professional help from Service Experts.

For more information about our Advantage Program or to book an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 205-267-0023 or contact us online right away.