Your house is likely at the top of the list of your most valued investments. It helps you financially through improving equity, and it’s an area to raise your family and develop memorable moments, too. When it’s cold, you might also be experiencing increased utility costs.
As a result, finding ways to lower your heating bill in Waldorf without giving up comfort can appear difficult.
As far as energy efficiency, residences are similar to vehicles. Some require a lot of energy while others use it slowly. Regardless of what sort of home you own, there are steps to block the cold this winter. The Experts are here with seven suggestions to help you stay comfortable without going over budget.
1. Get a New Your Air Filter
It’s the most inexpensive solution there is. It’s also the best approach to keep your furnace operating optimally throughout the winter.
The model of filter and seasonal elements contribute to how regularly you should put in a new one. High allergen counts, pets and house size might also influence its life span. Typically, cheap filters should be changed monthly. Pleated models made with denser material may make it 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 loaded up the filter is, the less air is able to move through it and actually add warmth to the home. An overloaded filter makes your heating system work harder.”
2. Schedule Routine HVAC Service
It’s normal to have a tech visit your house in the spring for AC service. That way, your air conditioner is ready for the heat.
But don’t forget to schedule an appointment for furnace service before it snows too.
Among other procedures, an inspection usually includes:
- Checking thermostat settings
- Cleaning and greasing internal components
- Examining system shutdown and startup procedures
Regular service helps decrease the probability of handling 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 standard service.
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 cost effective approach to help keep cold air where it belongs.
Here’s one check that Hughes suggests.
Latch a door. Can you see any light? If that’s the case, it’s not fully sealed. Modifications or weather-stripping may be necessary.
If you have single-pane windows, you should think about a dual-pane upgrade.
Many homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic sheeting.
It’s not a bad move, 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 greater.
4. Regulate Use of Vented Appliances
If you use the exhaust fan during cooking, Hughes advises against leaving it going for an extended period of time.
The same goes for for the dryer. Don’t permit it to operate after your clothes are ready.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan forces out heated air outside and increases cold air. Operating these appliances continuously will require your furnace to work harder to battle the avoidable cold.
5. Look at Your Home’s Perimeter for Leaks
Evaluate your home’s building envelope. This is the boundary that shields your home from the outside. If there’s a basement, look for moving cobwebs or chilly air leaking in around the edges.
Polyurethane sealers and other things can be used to mend basement walls letting air into your home. Another inexpensive tip is to invest foam seals for fixture undersides, for example ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re fast to use and are fantastic at blocking cold air in the winter.
6. Measure Insulation Levels in Your Attic
It’s worth making sure that you have appropriate insulation levels
Hughes advises visiting the ENERGY STAR® zone map to locate the recommended R-value for your home’s walls and attic space. This recommendation is formulated on the geographic location where you live.
7. Consider Our Advantage Program™
Winter might be rough for homeowners with inefficient systems.
If your furnace is going out or needing expensive service, there’s a decent chance you’re not set to spend thousands on a modern system.
That’s why we have our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you avoid costly fixes through a modest monthly fee.
We’ll also hook up a high-efficiency system in your residence. Plus our professional techs will fix and maintain it for you without any additional out-of-pocket cost
Book an Appointment with Us Right Away
Make your Waldorf house more energy efficient with pro help from Service Experts.
For more specifics about our Advantage Program or to schedule an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 301-747-3140 or contact us online today.