Your house is likely among your most precious investments. It helps you financially through boosting equity, and it’s a space to enjoy with your family and create memories, too. During the winter, you could also be dealing with increased heating expenses.
As a result, finding tactics to lower your heating bill in Houston without giving up comfort can feel challenging.
As far as energy efficiency, houses are similar to motor vehicles. Some guzzle energy while others sip it slowly. Regardless of what sort of residence you own, there are methods to block the chill this winter. The Experts are here with seven tips to keep you comfy without driving up your energy bill.
1. Replace Your Your Air Filter
It’s the most cost-effective suggestion out there. It’s also the best method to keep your heater operating properly throughout the winter.
The type of filter and seasonal determinants influence how regularly you should put in a new one. Increased allergen counts, pets and house size can also affect its longevity. Generally, cheap filters should be changed each month. Pleated styles made with better material may work for three months or longer.
“It’s really the big thing homeowners overlook,” 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 go through it and actually heat the home. A dirty filter makes your HVAC system work harder.”
2. Schedule Regular HVAC Service
It’s standard to have an Expert come to your house in the spring for AC service. That way, your system is prepped for the summer.
But don’t neglect to schedule an appointment for furnace service before it snows too.
Among other procedures, an inspection usually includes:
- Examining thermostat settings
- Cleaning and greasing internal components
- Inspecting system shutdown and startup controls
Maintenance helps lessen the chance of facing an emergency repair in the middle of a cold snap. Some reports have indicated as many as 75% of “no heat” calls could have been prevented with standard maintenance.
3. Examine Windows and Doors for Cracks
Windows and doors are a main entry point for chilly air. Caulking window and door frames is an economical method to help keep frigid air out.
Here’s one test that Hughes suggests.
Shut a door. Do you notice any light? If that’s the case, it’s not fully sealed. Modifications or weather-stripping may be required.
If you have single-pane windows, you might 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 chilled air outside.
When you add double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or higher.
4. Restrict Use of Vented Appliances
If you use the exhaust fan while cooking, Hughes suggests against leaving it on for too long.
The same applies to for the dryer. Don’t permit it to operate after your clothes are dry.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan pulls out heated air out and increases cold air. Operating these appliances continuously will make your heater to work harder to battle the preventable coldness.
5. Look at Your Home’s Edges for Leaks
Inspect your residence’s building envelope. This is the barrier that separates your residence from the weather. If you have a basement, check for moving cobwebs or chilly air coming in close by the edges.
Polyurethane products and other options can be bought to plug basement walls allowing air into your home. Another cost-effective move is to invest foam seals for fixture bottoms, like ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re fast to install and are fantastic at blocking cold air in the winter.
6. Check Insulation Levels in Your Attic
It’s worth making sure that you have thick enough insulation levels
Hughes recommends checking the ENERGY STAR® zone map to find the recommended R-value for your home’s walls and attic space. This value is established on the geographic area where you live.
7. Sign Up for Our Advantage Program™
Winter could be trying for homeowners with failing equipment.
If your furnace is not working right or in need of costly repair, there’s a decent chance you’re not able to spend thousands on a modern system.
That’s why we have our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you prevent costly fixes through a small monthly fee.
We’ll also hook up a high-efficiency system in your residence. Plus our pro specialists will overhaul and maintain it for you without any additional out-of-pocket cost
Schedule an Appointment with Us Today
Make your Houston house more energy efficient with expert support from Service Experts.
For more information about our Advantage Program or to request an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 713-396-3760 or contact us online today.