Your home is probably among your most valued investments. It assists you financially through improving equity, and it’s a place to raise your family and make memories, too. This time of year, you could also be dealing with higher energy costs.
As a consequence, finding approaches to lower your heating bill in Edmonton without compromising comfort can seem challenging.
As far as energy efficiency, houses are similar to cars. Some guzzle energy while others sip it gradually. Regardless of what kind of residence you have, there are steps to block the chill this winter. The Experts are here with seven suggestions to keep you comfortable without breaking the bank.
1. Change Your Air Filter
It’s the most cost-effective suggestion there is. It’s also the best approach to keep your furnace operating smoothly through the winter.
The type of filter and seasonal elements affect how regularly you should replace it. Soaring allergen counts, pets and residence size can also influence its life span. Generally, fiberglass filters should be changed each month. Pleated models made with higher-quality material may work for three months or longer.
“It’s really the big thing people ignore,” said Jim Hughes, senior manager of education and training at Service Experts. “The more overloaded the filter is, the less air is able to be filtered through it and actually add warmth to the home. A clogged filter makes your heating system work harder.”
2. Schedule Routine HVAC Service
It’s normal to have a technician visit your home in the spring for AC service. That way, your system is prepared for the warm weather.
But don’t forget to schedule an appointment for furnace service before the winter too.
Among other actions, an inspection commonly covers:
- Checking thermostat settings
- Cleaning and lubricating internal parts
- Examining system shutdown and startup controls
A tune-up helps lower the chance of handling an emergency repair in the middle of a cold snap. Some reports have found as many as 75% of “no heat” calls could have been stopped with standard tune-ups.
3. Inspect Windows and Doors for Cracks
Windows and doors are a leading entry point for cold air. Caulking window and door frames is an economical approach to help keep frigid air out.
Here’s one check that Hughes advises.
Close a door. Is any light visible? If that’s what’s happening, it’s not totally sealed. Modifications or weather-stripping could be needed.
If your residence has single-pane windows, you might want to consider a dual-pane option.
Some homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic sheeting.
It’s not a bad idea, 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. Regulate Use of Vented Appliances
If you require the exhaust fan during cooking, Hughes recommends against leaving it on for too long.
The same goes for for the dryer. Don’t let it to operate after your clothes are dry.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan expels hot air away from your home and pulls in cold air. Using these appliances continuously will require your furnace to run more often to handle the avoidable cold.
5. Check Your Residence’s Edges for Cracks
Evaluate your house’s perimeter. This is the area that separates your house from the weather. If your home has a basement, check for blowing cobwebs or cool air coming in around the edges.
Polyurethane sealers and other options can be bought to plug basement walls leaking air into your home. Another inexpensive tip is to get foam seals for fixture bases, for example ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re quick to install and are fantastic at blocking cold air in the winter.
6. Check Insulation Levels in Your Attic
It’s worth confirming that you have thick enough insulation levels
Hughes recommends visiting the ENERGY STAR® zone map to determine the suitable R-value for your home’s walls and attic space. This recommendation is established on the geographic area where your home is.
7. Think About Our Advantage Program™
Winter can be trying for homeowners with aging systems.
If your furnace is malfunctioning or needing expensive fixes, there’s a good chance you’re not able to spend thousands on a modern system.
That’s why we provide our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you avoid costly fixes through a low monthly fee.
We’ll also hook up an energy-saving system in your residence. Plus our professional specialists will fix and maintain it for you without any added out-of-pocket expense
Schedule an Appointment with Us Now
Make your Edmonton house more energy efficient with expert support from Service Experts.
For more information about our Advantage Program or to schedule an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 780-800-9047 or contact us online now.