Your residence is usually one of your most precious investments. It assists you financially through boosting equity, and it’s a space to raise your family and make memories, too. This time of year, you could also be dealing with growing utility costs.
As a consequence, finding approaches to lower your heating bill in Jacksonville without giving up comfort can feel challenging.
When it comes to energy efficiency, homes are like vehicles. Some consume a lot of energy while others sip it gradually. Regardless of what kind of residence you live in, there are steps to halt the cold this winter. The Experts are here with seven tips to keep you toasty without driving up your energy bill.
1. Change Your Air Filter
It’s the most inexpensive recommendation there is. It’s also the best method to keep your furnace functioning smoothly through the winter.
The type of filter and seasonal factors affect how frequently you should replace it. Soaring allergen counts, pets and house size may also impact its durability. Generally, low-priced filters should be changed each month. Pleated models made with higher-quality material may make it three months or longer.
“It’s really the big thing homeowners 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 warm the house. A dirty filter makes your furnace work harder.”
2. Schedule Annual HVAC Service
It’s standard to have a tech come to your home in the spring for AC service. That way, your system is prepped for the warm weather.
But don’t forget to schedule an appointment for furnace service before it snows too.
Among other steps, an inspection typically covers:
- Examining thermostat settings
- Cleaning and oiling internal parts
- Examining system shutdown and startup controls
Regular service helps lessen the probability of facing 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 stopped with routine service.
3. Check Windows and Doors for Holes
Windows and doors are a main entry point for frigid air. Insulating window and door frames is an cost effective method to help keep cold air out.
Here’s one check that Hughes suggests.
Close a door. Do you notice any light? If so, it’s not fully sealed. Adjustments or weather-stripping might be needed.
If your house has single-pane windows, you may want to think about a dual-pane option.
A lot of homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic sheeting.
It’s not a bad move, but dual-pane windows provide enhanced insulation for keeping cool air out.
When you install double-pane windows, your energy savings could be 25% or better.
4. Limit Use of Vented Appliances
If you need the exhaust fan while cooking, Hughes recommends against leaving it going 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 forces out hot air out and pulls in cold air. Running these appliances all the time will make your furnace to work harder to handle the avoidable coldness.
5. Examine Your Home’s Outer Edges for Cracks
Examine your house’s exterior. This is the boundary that protects your house from the outside. If your home has a basement, check for blowing cobwebs or cool air flowing in around the edges.
Polyurethane sealant and other things can be used to mend basement walls leaking air into your house. Another cost-effective tip is to add foam seals for fixture bases, like ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re simple to install and are fantastic at stopping cold air in the winter.
6. Check Insulation Levels in Your Attic
It’s worth ensuring that you have appropriate insulation levels
Hughes suggests looking at the ENERGY STAR® zone map to determine the suitable R-value for your house’s walls and attic space. This recommendation is based on the geographic area where you live.
7. Consider Our Advantage Program™
Winter may be trying for homeowners with aging equipment.
If your furnace is not working right or in need of expensive service, there’s a good chance you’re not prepared to spend thousands on a new system.
That’s why we have our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you bypass pricey repairs through a low monthly fee.
We’ll also install an energy-saving system in your residence. Plus our Expert techs will fix and maintain it for you without any additional out-of-pocket fee
Request an Appointment with Us Now
Make your Jacksonville residence more energy efficient with professional assistance from Service Experts.
For more details about our Advantage Program or to request an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 904-450-5672 or contact us online now.