Your house is likely among your most valued investments. It helps you financially through improving equity, and it’s a space to raise your family and create memorable moments, too. When it’s cold, you might also face higher heating costs.
As a result, finding approaches to lower your heating bill in Columbia without compromising comfort can appear challenging.
As far as energy efficiency, residences resemble vehicles. Some consume a lot of energy while others sip it gradually. Regardless of what kind of residence you own, there are ways to halt the chill this winter. The Experts are here with seven tips to keep your family warm without going over budget.
1. Replace Your Your Air Filter
It’s the most economical recommendation out there. It’s also the best approach to keep your furnace functioning smoothly during the winter.
The kind of filter and seasonal determinants contribute to how often you should get a new one. Soaring allergen counts, pets and home size can also impact its longevity. Typically, low-priced filters should be swapped every month. Pleated ones made with thicker material may last three months or longer.
“It’s really the large thing folks 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 warm the house. An overloaded filter makes your HVAC system work harder.”
2. Schedule Routine HVAC Service
It’s common to have a technician stop by your house in the spring for AC service. That way, your system is ready for the heat.
But don’t neglect to schedule an appointment for furnace service before it snows too.
Among other steps, an inspection usually covers:
- Examining thermostat settings
- Cleaning and oiling internal pieces
- Taking a look at system shutdown and startup controls
Regular service helps lower the probability of dealing with an emergency repair in the middle of a blizzard. Some reports have indicated as many as 75% of “no heat” calls could have been prevented with normal maintenance.
3. Check Windows and Doors for Cracks
Windows and doors are a primary entry point for frigid air. Insulating window and door frames is an practical approach to help keep cold air out.
Here’s one check that Hughes recommends.
Close a door. Do you notice any light? If that’s what’s happening, it’s not entirely sealed. Changes or weather-stripping may be required.
If you have single-pane windows, you should think about a dual-pane upgrade.
Some homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic wrap.
It’s not a bad solution, but dual-pane windows provide superior insulation for keeping chilled air where it belongs.
When you add double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or better.
4. Restrict Use of Vented Appliances
If you need the exhaust fan while cooking, Hughes recommends against leaving it on for a long time.
The same goes for for the dryer. Don’t let it to run after your clothes are ready.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan expels warm air outside and pulls in cold air. Running these appliances all the time will make your furnace to use more energy to manage the unnecessary coldness.
5. Check Your House’s Edges for Cracks
Evaluate your residence’s building envelope. This is the area that shields your residence from the weather. If your home has a basement, look for fluttering cobwebs or chilly air leaking in around the edges.
Polyurethane sealers and other things can be bought to plug basement walls letting air into your residence. Another economical idea is to invest foam seals for fixture bottoms, for example ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re quick to use and are awesome at keeping the cold air out in the winter.
6. Evaluate Insulation Levels in Your Attic
It’s worth ensuring that you have thick enough insulation levels
Hughes suggests visiting the ENERGY STAR® zone map to locate the suitable R-value for your residence’s walls and attic space. This value is established on the geographic spot where you live.
7. Consider Our Advantage Program™
Winter may be tough for homeowners with old systems.
If your furnace is malfunctioning or requiring expensive fixes, there’s a fair chance you’re not set to spend thousands on a new system.
That’s why we offer our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you avoid expensive repairs through a modest monthly fee.
We’ll also put in a high-efficiency system in your house. Plus our Expert techs will fix and service it for you without any additional out-of-pocket expense
Request an Appointment with Us Now
Make your Columbia residence more energy efficient with expert help from Service Experts.
For more specifics about our Advantage Program or to book an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 803-399-7208 or contact us online right away.