7 Methods to Lower Your Heating Bill in Hillsborough Throughout the Winter
Your residence is probably among your most valued investments. It supports you financially through boosting equity, and it’s a space to enjoy with your family and develop moments you’ll remember, too. This time of year, you may also face increased heating expenses.
Consequently, finding techniques to lower your heating bill in Hillsborough without compromising comfort can appear harder than it needs to be.
When it comes to energy efficiency, residences are similar to vehicles. Some consume a lot of energy while others drink it gradually. Regardless of what kind of residence you have, there are steps to stop the chill this winter. The Experts are here with seven ideas to help your family stay comfy without driving up your energy bill.
1. Get a New Your Air Filter
It’s the most inexpensive solution that exists. It’s also the best way to keep your heater functioning properly throughout the winter.
The kind of filter and seasonal elements influence how often you should replace it. Soaring allergen counts, pets and house size can also affect its durability. Generally, fiberglass filters should be changed every month. Pleated models made with higher-quality material might last three months or longer.
“It’s really the major 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 warm the residence. An overloaded filter makes your heating system work harder.”
2. Schedule Routine HVAC Service
It’s common to have an Expert stop by your residence in the spring for AC service. That way, your unit is prepared for the warm weather.
But don’t overlook scheduling an appointment for furnace service before the winter too.
Among other procedures, an inspection usually covers:
- Checking thermostat settings
- Cleaning and greasing internal components
- Examining system shutdown and startup processes
Regular service helps lower the chance 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 regular maintenance.
3. Check Windows and Doors for Holes
Windows and doors are a central entry point for frigid air. Sealing window and door frames is an inexpensive method to help keep cold air where it belongs.
Here’s one test that Hughes recommends.
Shut a door. Is any light visible? If that’s what’s happening, it’s not entirely sealed. Modifications or weather-stripping might be needed.
If your house has single-pane windows, you may want to consider a dual-pane option.
Many homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic wrap.
It’s not a bad idea, but dual-pane windows provide much better insulation for keeping chilled air out.
When you switch to double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or better.
4. Limit Use of Vented Appliances
If you need the exhaust fan during cooking, Hughes advises against leaving it on for a long time.
The same holds true for the dryer. Don’t permit it to operate after your clothes are dry.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan pulls out warm air outside and increases cold air. Using these appliances continuously will require your furnace to use more energy to handle the unnecessary cold.
5. Examine Your Home’s Perimeter for Holes
Check your residence’s building envelope. This is the barrier that protects your residence from the weather. If you have a basement, check for fluttering cobwebs or cool air leaking in close by the edges.
Polyurethane products and other options can be purchased to fix basement walls letting air into your residence. Another affordable move is to invest foam seals for fixture bottoms, like 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. Check Insulation Levels in Your Attic
It’s worth ensuring that you have thick enough insulation levels
Hughes recommends checking the ENERGY STAR® zone map to locate the appropriate R-value for your residence’s walls and attic space. This recommendation is established on the geographic spot where you live.
7. Consider Our Advantage Program™
Winter might be tough for homeowners with aging units.
If your furnace is malfunctioning or requiring extensive service, there’s a reasonable chance you’re not prepared to spend thousands on an updated system.
That’s why we offer our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you prevent expensive repairs through a low monthly fee.
We’ll also install a high-efficiency system in your residence. Plus our Expert techs will overhaul and maintain it for you without any extra out-of-pocket cost
Request an Appointment with Us Now
Make your Hillsborough house more energy efficient with expert help from Service Experts.
For more information about our Advantage Program or to request an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 908-448-2154 or contact us online right away.