Your house is probably among your most precious investments. It assists you financially through improving equity, and it’s a space to watch your family grow and make moments you’ll remember, too. This time of year, you could also face growing heating expenses.
Consequently, finding techniques to lower your heating bill in Melbourne without compromising comfort can appear harder than it needs to be.
As far as energy efficiency, residences resemble cars. Some require a lot of energy while others use it slowly. Regardless of what kind of residence you own, there are ways to block the discomfort this winter. The Experts are here with seven tips to keep you toasty without breaking the bank.
1. Change Your Air Filter
It’s the most inexpensive suggestion that exists. It’s also the best method to keep your heating system functioning smoothly during the winter.
The type of filter and seasonal determinants contribute to how regularly you should replace it. Increased allergen counts, pets and house size can also impact its durability. Typically, inexpensive filters should be swapped each month. Pleated models made with better material could make it three months or longer.
“It’s really the big thing homeowners ignore,” said Jim Hughes, senior manager of education and training at Service Experts. “The more full the filter is, the less air is able to be filtered through it and actually add warmth to the home. A dirty filter makes your HVAC system work harder.”
2. Schedule Regular HVAC Service
It’s common to have a technician come by your house in the spring for AC service. That way, your unit is prepped for the heat.
But don’t overlook scheduling an appointment for furnace service before the winter too.
Among other actions, an inspection commonly involves:
- Double-checking thermostat settings
- Cleaning and oiling internal components
- Examining system shutdown and startup processes
Regular service helps lessen the odds of handling an emergency repair in the middle of winter. Some reports have found as many as 75% of “no heat” calls could have been avoided with routine service.
3. Inspect Windows and Doors for Leaks
Windows and doors are a main entry point for frigid air. Insulating window and door frames is an inexpensive approach to help keep chilly air where it belongs.
Here’s one assessment that Hughes recommends.
Latch a door. Can you see any light? If that’s what’s happening, it’s not fully sealed. Modifications or weather-stripping may be needed.
If you have single-pane windows, you should think about a dual-pane upgrade.
Some homeowners insulate single-pane windows with plastic wrap.
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 higher.
4. Limit Use of Vented Appliances
If you use the exhaust fan while cooking, Hughes advises against leaving it running for too long.
The same applies to for the dryer. Don’t let it to run after your clothes are done.
Any venting appliance or exhaust fan forces out warm air away from your home and pulls in cold air. Running these appliances longer than needed will require your furnace to use more energy to manage the avoidable chill.
5. Check Your House’s Edges for Cracks
Examine your house’s building envelope. This is the boundary that shields your residence from the outside. If there’s a basement, be on the lookout for fluttering cobwebs or cool air flowing in close by the edges.
Polyurethane sealant and other options can be used to fix basement walls letting air into your house. Another economical tip is to invest foam seals for fixture undersides, such as ceiling fans, overhead lights or wall outlets.
They’re quick to put in and are great at keeping the cold air out in the winter.
6. Check Insulation Levels in Your Attic
It’s worth confirming that you have appropriate insulation levels
Hughes advises checking the ENERGY STAR® zone map to find the appropriate R-value for your house’s walls and attic space. This suggestion is formulated on the geographic spot where you’re located.
7. Think About Our Advantage Program™
Winter might be trying for homeowners with inefficient units.
If your furnace is not working right or in need of extensive repair, there’s a decent chance you’re not prepared to spend thousands on a modern system.
That’s why we have our Advantage Program. It helps homeowners like you avoid expensive fixes through a small monthly fee.
We’ll also install an energy-saving system in your house. Plus our pro techs will fix and tune it up for you without any additional out-of-pocket fee
Schedule an Appointment with Us Now
Make your Melbourne residence more energy efficient with professional assistance from Service Experts.
For more specifics about our Advantage Program or to request an appointment for HVAC service, call us at 321-428-7635 or contact us online now.