Your home is probably among your most precious investments. It assists you financially through building equity, and it’s a space to watch your family grow and make memories, too. This time of year, you could also be experiencing rising gas costs.
Consequently, finding tactics to lower your heating bill in Fort Wayne without compromising comfort can feel difficult.
As far as energy efficiency, homes resemble cars. Some consume a lot of energy while others sip it slowly. Regardless of what kind of residence you live in, there are ways to halt the cold this winter. The Experts are here with seven ideas to help your family stay warm without driving up your energy bill.
1. Replace Your Your Air Filter
It’s the most inexpensive suggestion that exists. It’s also the best approach to keep your furnace running optimally during the winter.
The model of filter and seasonal elements affect how frequently you should get a new one. Soaring allergen counts, pets and house size can also impact its life span. Typically, inexpensive 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 people forget about,” said Jim Hughes, senior manager of education and training at Service Experts. “The more overloaded the filter is, the less air is able to move through it and actually heat the house. An overloaded filter makes your furnace work harder.”
2. Schedule Annual HVAC Service
It’s normal to have an Expert come to your residence 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 procedures, an inspection typically involves:
- Examining thermostat settings
- Cleaning and oiling internal pieces
- Examining system shutdown and startup processes
A tune-up helps decrease the possibility of facing an emergency repair in the middle of winter. Some reports have found as many as 75% of “no heat” calls could have been prevented with standard service.
3. Inspect Windows and Doors for Leaks
Windows and doors are a leading entry point for chilly air. Sealing window and door frames is an practical way to help keep cold air where it belongs.
Here’s one test that Hughes recommends.
Shut a door. Do you notice any light? If that’s what’s happening, it’s not fully sealed. Modifications or weather-stripping might be needed.
If your house has single-pane windows, you may want to consider a dual-pane improvement.
Some homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic film.
It’s not a bad move, but dual-pane windows provide much better insulation for keeping cool air where it belongs.
When you install double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or higher.
4. Limit Use of Vented Appliances
If you use the exhaust fan while cooking, Hughes advises against leaving it going for too long.
The same applies to for the dryer. Don’t let it to operate after your clothes are done.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan expels warm air outside and adds cold air. Operating these appliances continuously will force your heater to work harder to fight the unnecessary cold.
5. Examine Your Residence’s Perimeter for Leaks
Check your residence’s building envelope. This is the boundary that separates your home from the elements. If there’s a basement, be on the lookout for fluttering cobwebs or chilly air flowing in near the corners.
Polyurethane sealant and other options can be bought to fix basement walls leaking air into your residence. Another economical move is to invest foam seals for fixture bases, like ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re quick to use and are fantastic at stopping cold air in the winter.
6. Check Insulation Levels in Your Attic
It’s worth ensuring that you have adequate insulation levels
Hughes recommends checking the ENERGY STAR® zone map to determine the appropriate R-value for your residence’s walls and attic space. This recommendation is formulated on the geographic spot where your home is.
7. Consider Our Advantage Program™
Winter can be trying for homeowners with aging systems.
If your furnace is going out or needing extensive service, there’s a fair chance you’re not able 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 low monthly fee.
We’ll also install an energy-efficient system in your residence. Plus our pro specialists will repair and service it for you without any extra out-of-pocket fee
Schedule an Appointment with Us Now
Make your Fort Wayne residence more energy efficient with pro assistance from Service Experts.
For more information about our Advantage Program or to schedule an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 260-557-1275 or contact us online right away.