Your house is probably among your most valued investments. It assists you financially through increasing equity, and it’s a space to raise your family and create moments you’ll remember, too. When it’s cold, you may also face growing heating expenses.
As a consequence, finding methods to lower your heating bill in Houston without giving up comfort can appear challenging.
As far as energy efficiency, houses are similar to vehicles. Some require a lot of energy while others drink it steadily. Regardless of what sort of home you own, there are ways to block the discomfort this winter. The Experts are here with seven tips to keep your family comfy without going over budget.
1. Change Your Air Filter
It’s the most cost-effective solution out there. It’s also the best method to keep your furnace running properly throughout the winter.
The kind of filter and seasonal factors affect how frequently you should replace it. Increased allergen counts, pets and house size might also impact its durability. Generally, cheap filters should be replaced every month. Pleated models made with better material may work for three months or longer.
“It’s really the large thing folks ignore,” 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 go through it and actually heat the home. An overloaded filter makes your furnace work harder.”
2. Schedule Regular HVAC Service
It’s standard to have a technician stop by your house in the spring for AC service. That way, your system is prepped for the summer.
But don’t forget to schedule an appointment for furnace service before it gets cold too.
Among other actions, an inspection commonly includes:
- Checking thermostat settings
- Cleaning and oiling internal pieces
- Examining system shutdown and startup processes
Regular service helps decrease the probability 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 standard tune-ups.
3. Check Windows and Doors for Holes
Windows and doors are a primary entry point for chilly air. Insulating window and door frames is an inexpensive 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 totally sealed. Modifications or weather-stripping might be necessary.
If your home has single-pane windows, you may want to think about a dual-pane upgrade.
Some homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic wrap.
It’s not a bad idea, but dual-pane windows provide superior insulation for keeping chilled air out.
When you add double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or better.
4. Limit Use of Vented Appliances
If you require the exhaust fan throughout cooking, Hughes recommends against leaving it running for too long.
The same goes for for the dryer. Don’t let it to operate after your clothes are dry.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan expels warm air outside and pulls in cold air. Running these appliances continuously will make your HVAC system to use more energy to take care of the unnecessary coldness.
5. Look at Your Home’s Perimeter for Cracks
Examine your house’s perimeter. This is the barrier that protects your house from the elements. If there’s a basement, watch for blowing cobwebs or cool air flowing in close by the corners.
Polyurethane products and other options can be used to fix basement walls leaking air into your home. Another economical move is to invest foam seals for fixture bases, such as ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re simple 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 recommends visiting the ENERGY STAR® zone map to locate the suitable R-value for your home’s walls and attic space. This recommendation is based on the geographic spot where your home is.
7. Think About Our Advantage Program™
Winter can be tough for homeowners with underperforming equipment.
If your furnace is going out or needing major repair, there’s a fair chance you’re not ready to spend thousands on a new system.
That’s why we offer our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you avoid costly repairs through a modest monthly fee.
We’ll also install an energy-efficient system in your residence. Plus our pro techs will overhaul and maintain it for you without any added out-of-pocket expense
Book an Appointment with Us Today
Make your Houston 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 (713) 352-7887 or contact us online today.