Your house is usually at the top of the list of your most precious investments. It supports you financially through boosting equity, and it’s an area to enjoy with your family and make moments you’ll remember, too. During the winter, you could also face growing utility costs.
Consequently, finding tactics to lower your heating bill in Fort Worth without lowering comfort can feel challenging.
In regard to energy efficiency, residences are like motor vehicles. Some consume a lot of energy while others drink it gradually. Regardless of what sort of house you own, there are steps to stop the chill this winter. The Experts are here with seven ideas to keep your family comfy without going over budget.
1. Get a New Your Air Filter
It’s the most cost-effective recommendation there is. It’s also the best way to keep your heating system running smoothly throughout the winter.
The type of filter and seasonal factors influence how regularly you should get a new one. High allergen counts, pets and home size might also impact its durability. In most cases, low-priced filters should be changed each 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 overloaded the filter is, the less air is able to go through it and actually warm the home. A clogged filter makes your HVAC system work harder.”
2. Schedule Routine HVAC Service
It’s standard to have an Expert come by your home in the spring for AC service. That way, your unit is prepped for the warm weather.
But don’t forget to schedule an appointment for furnace service before it gets cold too.
Among other steps, an inspection typically involves:
- Examining thermostat settings
- Cleaning and oiling internal parts
- Examining system shutdown and startup processes
Regular service helps lessen the likelihood of handling an emergency repair in the middle of a cold snap. Some reports have shown as many as 75% of “no heat” calls could have been prevented with normal service.
3. Check Windows and Doors for Cracks
Windows and doors are a central entry point for frigid air. Caulking window and door frames is an economical way to help keep cold air where it belongs.
Here’s one assessment 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 needed.
If your home has single-pane windows, you may want to think over a dual-pane upgrade.
A lot of homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic sheeting.
It’s not a bad solution, but dual-pane windows provide enhanced insulation for keeping cool air where it belongs.
When you install double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or greater.
4. Restrict Use of Vented Appliances
If you use the exhaust fan throughout cooking, Hughes suggests against leaving it on for a long time.
The same applies to for the dryer. Don’t let it to work after your clothes are ready.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan forces out hot air out and increases cold air. Running these appliances longer than needed will make your heater to work harder to take care of the avoidable cold.
5. Examine Your Residence’s Outer Edges for Leaks
Inspect your residence’s building envelope. This is the area that protects your house from the weather. If you have a basement, watch for blowing cobwebs or chilly air trickling in close by the corners.
Polyurethane sealers and other things can be purchased to mend basement walls leaking air into your home. Another affordable idea is to add foam seals for fixture undersides, like ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re simple to use and are great at blocking cold air in the winter.
6. Measure Insulation Levels in Your Attic
It’s worth confirming that you have appropriate insulation levels
Hughes advises checking the ENERGY STAR® zone map to find the appropriate R-value for your home’s walls and attic space. This recommendation is formulated on the geographic spot where your home is.
7. Think About Our Advantage Program™
Winter may be trying for homeowners with inefficient units.
If your furnace is malfunctioning or needing costly repair, there’s a reasonable chance you’re not prepared to spend thousands on a new system.
That’s why we have our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you prevent pricey repairs through a small monthly fee.
We’ll also put in an energy-saving system in your house. Plus our pro specialists will repair and tune it up for you without any extra out-of-pocket expense
Request an Appointment with Us Now
Make your Fort Worth residence more energy efficient with expert help from Service Experts.
For more specifics about our Advantage Program or to request an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 817-668-6689 or contact us online right away.