Your house is usually among your most valued investments. It assists you financially through improving equity, and it’s a space to raise your family and create memories, too. When it’s cold, you may also face increased heating bills.
As a consequence, finding ways to lower your heating bill in Charlotte without lowering comfort can seem challenging.
When it comes to energy efficiency, homes are like vehicles. Some guzzle energy while others use it gradually. Regardless of what kind of house you live in, there are methods to block the chill this winter. The Experts are here with seven suggestions to keep your family warm without breaking the bank.
1. Change Your Air Filter
It’s the most economical solution that exists. It’s also the best method to keep your heater running smoothly throughout the winter.
The type of filter and seasonal elements contribute to how often you should replace it. Increased allergen counts, pets and residence size can also affect its durability. Typically, low-priced filters should be replaced each month. Pleated styles made with higher-quality material could work for 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 full the filter is, the less air is able to be filtered through it and actually warm the home. A dirty filter makes your HVAC system work harder.”
2. Schedule Annual HVAC Service
It’s normal to have a tech come by your house in the spring for AC service. That way, your air conditioner is prepared for the warm weather.
But don’t neglect to schedule an appointment for furnace service before it snows too.
Among other actions, an inspection commonly involves:
- Examining thermostat settings
- Cleaning and oiling internal components
- Examining system shutdown and startup procedures
Regular service helps lower the likelihood of dealing with 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 regular maintenance.
3. Check Windows and Doors for Leaks
Windows and doors are a main entry point for chilly air. Caulking window and door frames is an cost effective way to help keep frigid air out.
Here’s one test that Hughes advises.
Latch a door. Is any light visible? If so, it’s not entirely sealed. Changes or weather-stripping could be necessary.
If your house has single-pane windows, you may want to consider a dual-pane upgrade.
Some homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic sheeting.
It’s not a bad move, but dual-pane windows provide much better insulation for keeping cool air where it belongs.
When you add double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or higher.
4. Restrict Use of Vented Appliances
If you need the exhaust fan while cooking, Hughes advises against leaving it on for an extended period of time.
The same goes for for the dryer. Don’t allow it to run after your clothes are ready.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan expels hot air away from your home and increases cold air. Using these appliances continuously will make your heater to use more energy to manage the avoidable coldness.
5. Examine Your House’s Outer Edges for Leaks
Check your residence’s exterior. This is the area that separates your residence from the weather. If your home has a basement, check for fluttering cobwebs or cold flowing in around the corners.
Polyurethane sealant and other things can be purchased to mend basement walls leaking air into your home. Another affordable move is to get foam seals for fixture bases, like ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re fast to put in and are awesome at keeping the cold air out in the winter.
6. Check Insulation Levels in Your Attic
It’s worth ensuring that you have adequate insulation levels
Hughes recommends looking at the ENERGY STAR® zone map to find the appropriate R-value for your home’s walls and attic space. This value is formulated on the geographic location where you live.
7. Consider Our Advantage Program™
Winter could be rough for homeowners with underperforming equipment.
If your furnace is failing or in need of expensive repair, 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 service calls through a modest monthly fee.
We’ll also hook up an energy-efficient system in your house. Plus our pro techs will repair and tune it up for you without any additional out-of-pocket cost
Schedule an Appointment with Us Right Away
Make your Charlotte residence more energy efficient with expert support from Service Experts.
For more specifics about our Advantage Program or to schedule an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 704-705-8135 or contact us online now.