Your house is likely among your most treasured investments. It assists you financially through boosting equity, and it’s a space to raise your family and develop moments you’ll remember, too. When it’s cold, you might also be experiencing increased energy bills.
As a result, finding methods to lower your heating bill in Ocala without compromising comfort can seem harder than it needs to be.
As far as energy efficiency, houses are similar to motor vehicles. Some guzzle energy while others sip it gradually. Regardless of what sort of residence you own, there are methods to halt the discomfort this winter. The Experts are here with seven suggestions to help your family stay warm without going over budget.
1. Change Your Air Filter
It’s the most economical solution there is. It’s also the best way to keep your heating system operating smoothly through the winter.
The type of filter and seasonal elements affect how frequently you should get a new one. Soaring allergen counts, pets and residence size might also impact its durability. Typically, inexpensive filters should be changed monthly. Pleated ones made with thicker material may work for three months or longer.
“It’s really the large thing people overlook,” said Jim Hughes, senior manager of education and training at Service Experts. “The more overloaded the filter is, the less air is able to move through it and actually warm the residence. A dirty filter makes your furnace work harder.”
2. Schedule Regular HVAC Service
It’s standard to have a tech come by your home in the spring for AC service. That way, your unit is ready for the summer.
But don’t overlook scheduling an appointment for furnace service before it gets cold too.
Among other actions, an inspection typically covers:
- Examining thermostat settings
- Cleaning and oiling internal pieces
- Taking a look at system shutdown and startup controls
Maintenance helps lower the chance of dealing with an emergency repair in the middle of winter. Some reports have indicated as many as 75% of “no heat” calls could have been stopped with regular tune-ups.
3. Check Windows and Doors for Leaks
Windows and doors are a main entry point for frigid air. Caulking window and door frames is an cost effective way to help keep chilly air where it belongs.
Here’s one check that Hughes recommends.
Shut a door. Can you see any light? If that’s what’s happening, it’s not totally sealed. Adjustments or weather-stripping might be required.
If you have single-pane windows, you might want to think over a dual-pane option.
Some homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic sheeting.
It’s not a bad option, but dual-pane windows provide much better insulation for keeping chilled air where it belongs.
When you switch to double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or better.
4. Regulate Use of Vented Appliances
If you use the exhaust fan during cooking, Hughes advises against leaving it running for a long time.
The same applies to for the dryer. Don’t allow it to operate after your clothes are ready.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan pulls out hot air outside and increases cold air. Running these appliances continuously will require your heater to use more energy to fight the avoidable coldness.
5. Check Your Residence’s Edges for Leaks
Inspect your home’s perimeter. This is the area that shields your residence from the weather. If your home has a basement, watch for moving cobwebs or chilly air flowing in close by the sides.
Polyurethane products and other solutions can be bought to mend basement walls allowing air into your house. Another cost-effective move is to add foam seals for fixture bottoms, such as ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re fast to put in and are great at blocking cold air in the winter.
6. Check Insulation Levels in Your Attic
It’s worth making sure that you have adequate insulation levels
Hughes recommends looking at the ENERGY STAR® zone map to locate the suitable R-value for your home’s walls and attic space. This suggestion is formulated on the geographic area where you live.
7. Consider Our Advantage Program™
Winter can be tough for homeowners with failing equipment.
If your furnace is not working right or requiring major fixes, there’s a reasonable chance you’re not ready to spend thousands on a new system.
That’s why we provide our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you prevent costly service calls through a small monthly fee.
We’ll also hook up an energy-efficient system in your house. Plus our professional techs will overhaul and tune it up for you without any additional out-of-pocket fee
Schedule an Appointment with Us Right Away
Make your Ocala residence more energy efficient with pro help from Service Experts.
For more information about our Advantage Program or to schedule an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 352-414-4006 or contact us online now.