Your home is probably one of your most valued investments. It helps you financially through boosting equity, and it’s a space to raise your family and make memorable moments, too. This time of year, you could also be dealing with rising utility bills.
Consequently, finding techniques to lower your heating bill in Fort Myers without lowering comfort can feel harder than it needs to be.
As far as energy efficiency, houses are like motor vehicles. Some require a lot of energy while others sip it steadily. Regardless of what type of house you live in, there are steps to halt the cold this winter. The Experts are here with seven ideas to keep you comfy without going over budget.
1. Get a New Your Air Filter
It’s the most inexpensive suggestion out there. It’s also the best way to keep your heater running smoothly through the winter.
The model of filter and seasonal determinants affect how regularly you should get a new one. Increased allergen counts, pets and residence size can also influence its durability. Generally, fiberglass filters should be replaced every month. Pleated models made with higher-quality material might work for three months or longer.
“It’s really the large 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 add warmth to the house. A dirty filter makes your furnace work harder.”
2. Schedule Regular HVAC Service
It’s normal to have a technician come to your residence in the spring for AC service. That way, your air conditioner is prepped 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 greasing internal parts
- Examining system shutdown and startup controls
A tune-up helps lower the chance of dealing with an emergency repair in the middle of a cold snap. Some reports have shown as many as 75% of “no heat” calls could have been prevented with regular tune-ups.
3. Examine Windows and Doors for Cracks
Windows and doors are a leading entry point for frigid air. Caulking window and door frames is an practical method to help keep cold air where it belongs.
Here’s one assessment that Hughes recommends.
Shut a door. Can you see any light? If that’s what’s happening, it’s not fully sealed. Adjustments or weather-stripping might be required.
If your home has single-pane windows, you should think over a dual-pane improvement.
Many homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic film.
It’s not a bad solution, but dual-pane windows provide much better insulation for keeping cold air outside.
When you add double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or greater.
4. Restrict Use of Vented Appliances
If you use the exhaust fan throughout cooking, Hughes recommends against leaving it going for an extended period of time.
The same applies to for the dryer. Don’t permit it to work after your clothes are dry.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan forces out hot air away from your home and increases cold air. Operating these appliances all the time will force your heater to run more often to take care of the unnecessary cold.
5. Inspect Your House’s Edges for Cracks
Check your home’s exterior. This is the boundary that protects your house from the elements. If you have a basement, check for blowing cobwebs or chilly air flowing in close by the sides.
Polyurethane products and other options can be bought to mend basement walls allowing air into your home. Another affordable move is to add foam seals for fixture undersides, for example ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re easy to use and are great at blocking cold air in the winter.
6. Check Insulation Levels in Your Attic
It’s worth ensuring that you have appropriate insulation levels
Hughes suggests visiting the ENERGY STAR® zone map to determine the recommended R-value for your residence’s walls and attic space. This recommendation is formulated on the geographic spot where you’re located.
7. Consider Our Advantage Program™
Winter could be rough for homeowners with old equipment.
If your furnace is failing or requiring extensive repair, there’s a decent chance you’re not prepared to spend thousands on a new system.
That’s why we provide our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you bypass pricey service calls through a modest monthly fee.
We’ll also put in a high-efficiency system in your house. Plus our professional techs will overhaul and tune it up for you without any additional out-of-pocket expense
Request an Appointment with Us Right Away
Make your Fort Myers house more energy efficient with expert help from Service Experts.
For more details about our Advantage Program or to schedule an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 239-908-6991 or contact us online right away.