Your house is likely one of your most cherished investments. It helps you financially through improving equity, and it’s an area to raise your family and make memorable moments, too. During the winter, you may also face rising energy expenses.
Consequently, finding techniques to lower your heating bill in Gainesville without lowering comfort can seem challenging.
When it comes to energy efficiency, houses are like motor vehicles. Some consume a lot of energy while others drink it slowly. Regardless of what kind of home you own, there are ways to stop the chill this winter. The Experts are here with seven tips to keep your family comfortable without going over budget.
1. Replace Your Your Air Filter
It’s the most cost-effective recommendation that exists. It’s also the best approach to keep your heating system operating smoothly during the winter.
The model of filter and seasonal elements affect how regularly you should put in a new one. Increased allergen counts, pets and residence size can also influence its life span. Typically, fiberglass filters should be changed every month. Pleated ones made with better material might last three months or longer.
“It’s really the major thing people 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 move through it and actually warm the home. A clogged filter makes your HVAC system work harder.”
2. Schedule Annual HVAC Service
It’s normal to have a technician visit your house in the spring for AC service. That way, your air conditioner is ready for the warm weather.
But don’t forget to schedule an appointment for furnace service before the winter too.
Among other actions, an inspection commonly involves:
- Double-checking thermostat settings
- Cleaning and oiling internal pieces
- Inspecting system shutdown and startup processes
Regular service helps decrease the odds of dealing with an emergency repair in the middle of a blizzard. Some reports have found as many as 75% of “no heat” calls could have been avoided with normal maintenance.
3. Examine Windows and Doors for Leaks
Windows and doors are a central entry point for cold air. Sealing window and door frames is an practical way to help keep chilly air where it belongs.
Here’s one test that Hughes advises.
Latch a door. Do you notice any light? If so, it’s not fully sealed. Adjustments or weather-stripping may be needed.
If your residence has single-pane windows, you might want to think about a dual-pane upgrade.
Many homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic film.
It’s not a bad move, but dual-pane windows provide much better insulation for keeping cold air where it belongs.
When you add double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or greater.
4. Limit Use of Vented Appliances
If you require the exhaust fan throughout cooking, Hughes recommends against leaving it on for an extended period of time.
The same holds true for the dryer. Don’t allow it to operate 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 longer than needed will require your furnace to run more often to fight the preventable coldness.
5. Examine Your Residence’s Edges for Cracks
Evaluate your residence’s exterior. This is the barrier that protects your house from the outdoors. If your home has a basement, be on the lookout for moving cobwebs or cool air flowing in near the corners.
Polyurethane sealant and other solutions can be purchased to fix basement walls leaking air into your house. Another economical move is to add foam seals for fixture undersides, such as ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re easy 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 confirming that you have thick enough insulation levels
Hughes recommends visiting the ENERGY STAR® zone map to determine the suitable R-value for your home’s walls and attic space. This recommendation is based on the geographic location where you’re located.
7. Consider Our Advantage Program™
Winter may be rough for homeowners with underperforming units.
If your furnace is malfunctioning or requiring expensive fixes, there’s a decent chance you’re not prepared to spend thousands on a new system.
That’s why we offer our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you prevent pricey repairs through a modest monthly fee.
We’ll also install an energy-saving system in your house. Plus our pro techs will fix and service it for you without any extra out-of-pocket fee
Schedule an Appointment with Us Today
Make your Gainesville residence more energy efficient with pro support from Service Experts.
For more information about our Advantage Program or to book an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 352-414-4006 or contact us online today.