Your house is usually one of your most valued investments. It supports you financially through increasing equity, and it’s a place to raise your family and make moments you’ll remember, too. This time of year, you may also be experiencing rising gas bills.
Consequently, finding tactics to lower your heating bill in Kansas City without compromising comfort can feel difficult.
As far as energy efficiency, homes are similar to cars. Some guzzle energy while others sip it gradually. Regardless of what kind of home you have, there are methods to stop the cold this winter. The Experts are here with seven tips to keep your family warm without driving up your energy bill.
1. Replace Your Your Air Filter
It’s the most economical solution that exists. It’s also the best approach to keep your heating system functioning properly throughout the winter.
The kind of filter and seasonal determinants affect how frequently you should put in a new one. Soaring allergen counts, pets and home size can also influence its life span. Typically, fiberglass filters should be replaced each month. Pleated styles made with denser material could work for three months or longer.
“It’s really the large thing folks forget about,” 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 residence. A dirty filter makes your heating system work harder.”
2. Schedule Regular HVAC Service
It’s normal to have an Expert come to your home in the spring for AC service. That way, your unit is prepped for the warm weather.
But don’t overlook scheduling an appointment for furnace service before it gets cold too.
Among other actions, an inspection typically covers:
- Checking thermostat settings
- Cleaning and lubricating internal pieces
- Inspecting system shutdown and startup procedures
Regular service helps lessen the chance of facing an emergency repair in the middle of winter. 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 central entry point for chilly air. Insulating window and door frames is an cost effective approach to help keep chilly air outside.
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. Changes or weather-stripping might be needed.
If your residence has single-pane windows, you should consider a dual-pane option.
Many 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 install double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or better.
4. Restrict Use of Vented Appliances
If you need the exhaust fan throughout cooking, Hughes recommends against leaving it going for an extended period of time.
The same holds true for the dryer. Don’t permit it to work after your clothes are done.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan forces out warm air out and increases cold air. Operating these appliances longer than needed will force your furnace to use more energy to manage the unnecessary cold.
5. Examine Your Residence’s Perimeter for Leaks
Examine your house’s perimeter. This is the area that shields your house from the outside. If you have a basement, be on the lookout for blowing cobwebs or cool air leaking in near the corners.
Polyurethane products and other things can be purchased to plug basement walls allowing air into your home. Another cost-effective idea is to invest foam seals for fixture undersides, such as ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re easy to put in and are great at blocking cold air in the winter.
6. Check Insulation Levels in Your Attic
It’s worth ensuring that you have adequate insulation levels
Hughes recommends checking the ENERGY STAR® zone map to find the suitable R-value for your house’s walls and attic space. This recommendation is formulated on the geographic area where you’re located.
7. Sign Up for Our Advantage Program™
Winter might be rough for homeowners with underperforming systems.
If your furnace is malfunctioning or in need of major repair, there’s a reasonable chance you’re not ready to spend thousands on a modern system.
That’s why we provide our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you prevent pricey fixes through a small monthly fee.
We’ll also install an energy-saving system in your house. Plus our professional techs will overhaul and tune it up for you without any added out-of-pocket expense
Schedule an Appointment with Us Today
Make your Kansas City residence more energy efficient with expert assistance from Service Experts.
For more information about our Advantage Program or to request an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 816-787-0500 or contact us online now.