Your home is likely one of your most treasured investments. It helps you financially through increasing equity, and it’s a space to enjoy with your family and create memories, too. This time of year, you could also be experiencing higher energy costs.
As a consequence, finding techniques to lower your heating bill in Belleville without lowering comfort can feel difficult.
When it comes to energy efficiency, homes are similar to motor vehicles. Some guzzle 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 suggestions to keep you toasty without breaking the bank.
1. Replace Your Your Air Filter
It’s the most economical suggestion that exists. It’s also the best way to keep your heating system functioning optimally throughout the winter.
The model of filter and seasonal factors influence how regularly you should replace it. Soaring allergen counts, pets and residence size may also influence its life span. Generally, low-priced filters should be replaced each month. Pleated models made with higher-quality material could last three months or longer.
“It’s really the major thing folks ignore,” said Jim Hughes, senior manager of education and training at Service Experts. “The more full the filter is, the less air is able to go through it and actually warm the residence. An overloaded filter makes your HVAC system work harder.”
2. Schedule Regular HVAC Service
It’s common to have an Expert come to your home in the spring for AC service. That way, your unit is prepared for the warm weather.
But don’t neglect to schedule an appointment for furnace service before it snows too.
Among other steps, an inspection typically includes:
- Examining thermostat settings
- Cleaning and greasing internal parts
- Inspecting system shutdown and startup controls
A tune-up helps lessen the likelihood of facing an emergency repair in the middle of winter. Some reports have indicated as many as 75% of “no heat” calls could have been avoided with routine service.
3. Check Windows and Doors for Holes
Windows and doors are a central entry point for chilly air. Caulking window and door frames is an economical method to help keep frigid air outside.
Here’s one assessment that Hughes advises.
Shut a door. Is any light visible? If that’s the case, it’s not fully sealed. Adjustments or weather-stripping might be needed.
If your residence has single-pane windows, you should consider a dual-pane improvement.
Some homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic film.
It’s not a bad idea, but dual-pane windows provide much better insulation for keeping chilled air out.
When you install double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or higher.
4. Restrict Use of Vented Appliances
If you require the exhaust fan while cooking, Hughes advises against leaving it going for too long.
The same goes for for the dryer. Don’t permit it to operate after your clothes are done.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan forces out warm air out and increases cold air. Operating these appliances longer than needed will force your furnace to use more energy to battle the avoidable chill.
5. Look at Your Home’s Edges for Leaks
Examine your house’s exterior. This is the boundary that shields your house from the outdoors. If your home has a basement, watch for blowing cobwebs or cold coming in close by the edges.
Polyurethane sealers and other options can be used to plug basement walls leaking air into your residence. Another economical tip is to get foam seals for fixture bases, such as ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re easy to install and are awesome at stopping cold air in the winter.
6. Check Insulation Levels in Your Attic
It’s worth making sure that you have appropriate insulation levels
Hughes recommends checking the ENERGY STAR® zone map to find the recommended R-value for your residence’s walls and attic space. This value is formulated on the geographic location where your home is.
7. Think About Our Advantage Program™
Winter may be rough for homeowners with failing systems.
If your furnace is not working right or in need of expensive repair, there’s a reasonable chance you’re not ready to spend thousands on an updated system.
That’s why we provide our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you avoid pricey fixes through a small monthly fee.
We’ll also put in a high-efficiency system in your house. Plus our Expert techs will overhaul and maintain it for you without any added out-of-pocket expense
Book an Appointment with Us Today
Make your Belleville home more energy efficient with pro help from D&K Home Services by Enercare.
For more specifics about our Advantage Program or to book an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 613-707-2421 or contact us online now.