Your residence is likely at the top of the list of your most prized investments. It supports you financially through equity-building, and it’s a space to raise your family and make memories, too. This time of year, you might also be experiencing growing utility bills.
Consequently, finding tactics to lower your heating bill in San Antonio without giving up comfort can seem harder than it needs to be.
When it comes to energy efficiency, homes are similar to vehicles. Some require a lot of energy while others sip it gradually. Regardless of what sort of house you own, there are steps to end the discomfort this winter. The Experts are here with seven ideas to help your family stay comfortable without breaking the bank.
1. Get a New Your Air Filter
It’s the most economical suggestion that exists. It’s also the best approach to keep your heater running smoothly during the winter.
The kind of filter and seasonal elements contribute to how regularly you should replace it. High allergen counts, pets and house size might also affect its life span. Typically, low-priced filters should be changed every month. Pleated styles made with better material could work for three months or longer.
“It’s really the big thing people overlook,” said Jim Hughes, senior manager of education and training at Service Experts. “The more full the filter is, the less air is able to go through it and actually warm the house. A dirty filter makes your heating system work harder.”
2. Schedule Routine HVAC Service
It’s common to have an Expert come to your house in the spring for AC service. That way, your unit is prepared for the summer.
But don’t neglect to schedule an appointment for furnace service before it snows too.
Among other steps, an inspection typically involves:
- Double-checking thermostat settings
- Cleaning and lubricating internal pieces
- Taking a look at system shutdown and startup processes
A tune-up helps lessen the probability of facing 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 normal tune-ups.
3. Examine Windows and Doors for Holes
Windows and doors are a primary entry point for frigid air. Sealing window and door frames is an practical method to help keep cold air outside.
Here’s one test that Hughes advises.
Latch a door. Can you see any light? If so, it’s not entirely sealed. Adjustments or weather-stripping might be required.
If your home has single-pane windows, you should consider 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 cold air outside.
When you switch to double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or better.
4. Restrict Use of Vented Appliances
If you use the exhaust fan during cooking, Hughes advises against leaving it running for an extended period of time.
The same applies to for the dryer. Don’t let it to operate after your clothes are ready.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan expels hot air out and pulls in cold air. Running these appliances longer than needed will require your HVAC system to use more energy to fight the preventable cold.
5. Examine Your Residence’s Perimeter for Leaks
Evaluate your residence’s building envelope. This is the barrier that shields your house from the outdoors. If there’s a basement, look for blowing cobwebs or chilly air coming in near the corners.
Polyurethane products and other solutions can be purchased to mend basement walls leaking air into your residence. Another affordable move is to add foam seals for fixture bottoms, for example ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re simple to install and are fantastic at keeping the cold air out in the winter.
6. Measure Insulation Levels in Your Attic
It’s worth confirming that you have appropriate insulation levels
Hughes suggests visiting the ENERGY STAR® zone map to determine the recommended R-value for your home’s walls and attic space. This suggestion is formulated on the geographic area where you live.
7. Think About Our Advantage Program™
Winter might be tough for homeowners with underperforming units.
If your furnace is not working right or requiring expensive repair, there’s a fair chance you’re not ready to spend thousands on an updated system.
That’s why we offer our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you bypass expensive fixes through a modest monthly fee.
We’ll also put in an energy-saving system in your home. Plus our Expert technicians will fix and service it for you without any extra out-of-pocket expense
Book an Appointment with Us Now
Make your San Antonio home more energy efficient with pro assistance from Service Experts.
For more details about our Advantage Program or to schedule an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 210-570-9705 or contact us online now.